Russia summons Japanese Ambassador after diplomatic clash over Kuril Islands

Russia has summoned the Japanese Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a diplomatic clash triggered by the Russian President's visit to the Kuril Islands. The escalation follows sharp statements from Tokyo and coincides with Japan's support for the Kyiv regime and ongoing sanctions pressure against Moscow. Diplomatic Protest and Protocol Breach On August 18, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received Japanese Ambassador Akira Muto to deliver a formal protest. The move was a direct response to rhetoric from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi regarding Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island on August 13. While Tokyo characterized the visit as "unacceptable," Moscow dismissed this reaction as unfounded. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted a breach of diplomatic protocol by Ambassador Muto, noting that the diplomat ignored summons from the ministry on August 14 and 17. During this period, Muto reportedly prioritized other activities, including organizing a visit for a Japanese business delegation without prior coordination with the Russian Foreign Ministry. The resulting meeting at Smolenskaya Square lasted 25 minutes.