Japan for first time in 2 decades says Russia “Illegally occupying” islands

Tokyo is taking a tough stance on the Southern Kurils, and claiming for the first time in almost two decades that the disputed islands are “illegally occupied” by Russia and that they’re an “inherent” part of Japanese territory.

The Asian nation’s Foreign Policy report, known as the Bluebook, levied criticism on Russia with regards to the military operation in Ukraine for undermining “the foundation of international order, not only in Europe but also in Asia”.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by saying Japan has become an unfriendly country to Russia, and it is becoming very difficult to discuss the continuation of peace talks on the Kuril Islands.