Kathmandu— Following a recent trip by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kuril Islands, former president Dmitry Medvedev issued a stark warning to Japan on Thursday, threatening unspecified “monstrous consequences” should Tokyo continue to assert its territorial claims over the archipelago. The islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, have been under Russian control since the end of World War II, preventing the signing of a formal peace treaty between the two nations for eight decades. Japan lodged a strong protest against Putin’s visit, calling it unacceptable and hurtful to the Japanese people.

Historical Roots of the Dispute

The Kuril archipelago came under Soviet control at the conclusion of World War II with Japan's defeat and was subsequently incorporated into the USSR. However, Tokyo maintains its claim over the four southernmost islands – Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets – considering them historically and legally part of Japan. This dispute has remained a significant obstacle to normalized relations and a formal peace treaty between Russia and Japan.

Recent Escalation of Tensions

Tokyo strongly protested Putin’s visit to Iturup, the largest of the Kuril Islands, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi deeming it “absolutely unacceptable” and harmful to Japanese sentiment. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi echoed this sentiment, asserting that the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory under both historical precedent and international law. The Japanese Foreign Ministry also summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to express their concerns.

Medvedev’s Warning

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev stated that claims of the islands being historically Japanese “won't change a thing,” emphasizing they are, and will remain, Russian land. He warned anyone who fails to understand this would face “the monstrous consequences of their delusion.” Putin’s visit marked only the second time a sitting Russian president has traveled to the Kurils, with Medvedev having made a similar trip in 2010.

Putin Addresses Deteriorating Relations

President Putin addressed the dispute on Wednesday, blaming Tokyo for the worsening of bilateral relations. He criticized Japan’s imposition of sanctions on Russia following the events in Ukraine and its designation of Russia as a major threat in its latest military doctrine. Putin insisted that Russia poses no threat to Japan, highlighting that it is Japan which holds territorial claims over Russian land. He also noted previous attempts at reaching a peace agreement, including a 1956 declaration that was later abandoned by Japan.

The Kuril Islands dispute continues to be a major point of contention between Russia and Japan, with no immediate resolution in sight despite past efforts towards negotiation.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.