Aftershocks of Putin's Kuril Islands Visit: Japan Warns of "Additional Sanctions," Russia Vows "Retaliation"

Aftershocks are continuing following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands (known in Japan as the Northern Territories).

After the Japanese government announced additional sanctions against Russia targeting, for the first time, the "shadow fleet" transporting Russian crude oil, Russia strongly protested and warned of reciprocal retaliation.

Critics point out that Japan, which has already been at odds with China over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding Taiwan, is now escalating conflicts with Russia as well, potentially further narrowing its diplomatic and security standing.

According to NHK on October 6, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a statement the previous day strongly criticizing Japan's additional sanctions as an "unfriendly decision."

She added, "We will take corresponding countermeasures, and these will be in areas of importance to Japan," making it clear that retaliatory measures against Japan would be implemented.


Previously, the Japanese government decided on October 2 to impose additional sanctions prohibiting the operation, repair, and provision of insurance for 35 vessels belonging to the "shadow fleet," which Russia uses as a channel to export crude oil while evading sanctions.

This marks the first sanctions against Russia under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet, serving as a hardline response to President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands last August.

However, with this latest move, Japan faces the diplomatic burden of confronting both China and Russia simultaneously.

As strained relations with China persist following Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks concerning a potential contingency involving Taiwan, if Russia also proceeds with counter-retaliation such as cutting off energy supply chains, Japan's security and economic risks in Northeast Asia are expected to grow even further.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.