Why Putin's first Kuril Islands visit matters as Russia-Japan ties hit new low

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

44% : However, these battlefield claims have not been independently verified.Ukraine has also stepped up attacks deep inside Russian territory, including a major recent strike on Novorossiysk, a key Black Sea port and grain-export hub.The attack reportedly damaged port infrastructure and disrupted operations at major grain terminals.Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, making Novorossiysk strategically important not only for Moscow but also for global agricultural markets.At the same time, Russia has continued missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.For Japan, Putin's visit is likely to further complicate already strained relations with Moscow.The Kuril Islands remain one of the most enduring territorial disputes left over from World War II.While there have been periods of diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation, neither side has been able to agree on a final settlement.With Russia's war in Ukraine having pushed Moscow and Tokyo further apart, Putin's first personal visit to the disputed islands sends a strong political signal that Russia has no immediate intention of softening its position over territory it has controlled since 1945.

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