Japan muted on Putin's disputed-islands visit as US intentions remain murky

International relationsTakaichi takes no concrete action after provocative act by Russian leaderRussian President Vladimir Putin, left, visited the southern Kuril Islands on Aug. 13, drawing a protest from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right. © KyodoRUKA SHINOZAKIAugust 22, 2026 02:54 JSTTOKYO -- More than a week since Russian President Vladimir Putin visited disputed islands, the Japanese government has not announced any diplomatic or economic countermeasures, stymied by a lack of clarity in how Washington plans to approach Moscow and by fears about increased Russian military cooperation with China and North Korea.