After 80 Years, Russia and Japan Still Can’t Agree on Who These Islands Belong To - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 19, 2026
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After 80 years of unresolved tension, Russia and Japan continue to disagree over the ownership of the Kuril Islands, a territorial dispute that has deep historical roots and significant political stakes. The islands, known as the "Northern Territories" in Japan, have been administered by Russia since World War II but remain a contentious issue for Tokyo, which claims their return is essential for a formal peace treaty. While both sides acknowledge the need for dialogue, progress remains stalled, with Moscow showing little interest in revisiting the issue despite persistent pressure from Japan.
The dispute dates back to 1855 when an agreement between Imperial Japan and the Russian Empire established Japanese sovereignty over the southernmost islands. However, following Japan's surrender in World War II, Russia argued that the Yalta Agreement entitled it to the Kurils as a spoils of war. Tokyo disputes this claim, maintaining that the islands were illegally seized by the Soviet Union and should be returned. This disagreement has left Russia and Japan without a formal peace treaty since the war ended, despite efforts over the decades to foster understanding through cultural exchanges and limited travel programs.
In recent years, initiatives like the "Northern Territories Exhibition Room" in Sapporo have sought to keep the issue alive by engaging visitors with interactive displays and symbolic gestures of support. While these efforts reflect a broader push for historical awareness, they also highlight the emotional weight the islands carry for many Japanese, particularly those whose families once lived there. Despite aging populations and diminishing direct connections to the dispute, the sense of loss and obligation to preserve heritage remains strong.
The stalemate between Russia and Japan has broader implications for global diplomacy and regional stability. The United States and European Union support Japan's position, but Moscow's refusal to budge underscores its strategic priorities in the Far East. Meanwhile, Tokyo continues to advocate for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of resolving this legacy issue to pave the way for deeper cooperation and trust between the
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/19/2026