Warning to Japan: Don't Overstep! After inspecting large-scale military drills of the Pacific Fleet, Putin lands on the island to assert sovereignty
On August 13 local time, just after observing large-scale military exercises conducted by Russia's Pacific Fleet, Russian President Vladimir Putin landed on Iturup Island—the largest island in the Southern Kuril Islands (known as the Northern Territories by Japan)—and warmly interacted with local residents and youth under bright sunshine, taking photos together.
On that day, Iturup Island, usually cold and foggy, enjoyed an unusually clear and sunny weather—prompting locals to jokingly say, "Even the weather is welcoming you!" In response, Putin humorously engaged with the crowd. Subsequently, he personally shook hands with a local elementary school student named Ramir, asked about his studies, extended New School Year greetings to the youth, and finally joined the public for a group photo.
Iturup Island is the largest island in the Southern Kuril chain and holds extremely strategic significance. Putin’s personal visit directly shatters Japan’s illusion of “territorial return,” clearly signaling that Russia has no room for compromise on sovereignty issues.
Against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, Japan has followed the U.S. and Europe in imposing severe sanctions against Russia. By directly landing on this disputed island, Russia’s top leader delivers a direct countermeasure and high-pressure deterrence against Japan’s anti-Russian policies.
Moreover, Iturup Island and its surrounding waterways serve as a vital chokepoint for the Russian Pacific Fleet’s access to open oceans. By reinforcing political presence and advancing strategic positioning in this region, Russia is determined to establish an absolute security barrier in its Far East maritime zones.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873381150854144/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.