https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-summons-japanese-envoy-following-putin-s-visit-to-disputed-islandsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-summons-japanese-envoy-following-putin-s-visit-to-disputed-islandshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/russia-summons-japanese-envoy-following-putin-s-visit-to-disputed-islands#u45606Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:06:37 +0000Russia has summoned Japan's envoy after President Putin visited disputed islands seized from Japan in World War II, angering Tokyo. The islands, known as the Kuril Islands in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, have been a point of contention between the two nations for over 70 years. Russia protests Japan's comments on the visit, labeling them 'anti-Russian'.Why it mattersThe dispute over the Kuril Islands dates back to the end of World War II, when Soviet forces seized the islands from Japan. The issue has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace t