Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Etorofu Island, one of four Russian-controlled islands claimed by Japan, for the first time. He tours a seafood processing facility, hospital and school as Russia continues to strengthen its control and development of the disputed islands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island for the first time on August 13.

The island is one of the Northern Territories controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan.

S/　From Russian state media’s social media 

       August 13, 2026

Putin toured a seafood processing facility and other locations.

The visit is seen as an attempt to reassert Russia’s claim to the disputed islands.

S/ From Kremlin’s social media

    August 13

According to Russian media, Putin visited Etorofu Island on August 13.  The island is part of the Northern Territories, which are controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan.

Footage posted on social media by Russian state television shows Putin touring a seafood processing facility and sampling some of its products.

In 2010, then-Russian President Dmitri Medvedev visited Kunashiri Island, another of the disputed islands. This is Putin’s first visit to the Northern Territories.

Putin later visited a hospital and a school on Etorofu Island and spoke with local residents, according to Russian media.

S/ Sakhalin, Russia

   August 12, 2026

Putin also met Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko and discussed conditions on Etorufu Island.

During the meeting, Putin reportedly said, “Russians have the genes of winners,” among other remarks.

On August 12, Putin reiterated Russia’s claim to the Northern Territories, saying their status is “enshrined in international documents as a result of World War II.”

S/ Etorofu Island

   2023

Russia has been strengthening its control over the Northern Territories in recent years, including by rapidly developing the islands.

Putin’s visit appears aimed at emphasizing Russia’s claim to the Northern Territories and once again demonstrating that Moscow has no intention of making concessions to Japan in the territorial dispute.