Putin Vows to Protect Russia’s Claim to the Kuril Islands, Disputed Territory Northeast of Japan

Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd R) stands with three Russian naval officers at a parade marking Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 31, 2022. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed on Sunday to protect areas regarded to be in Russia’s national interest including the Kuril Strait, a disputed territory that Japan claims as its own.

Putin made the remarks during Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg, where he signed an executive order approving a new maritime doctrine.