Kuril Islands dispute

The Kuril Islands dispute is a disagreement between Russia and Japan over sovereignty of a chain of islands northeast of Japan. Japan claims four southern islands—et al, known as the Northern Territories—were illegally occupied by Russia after World War II. Russia controls all the islands now, citing treaties and historical ties, but Japan considers them integral to its territory. The dispute affects diplomacy, border agreements, and fishing rights, preventing the countries from signing a formal peace treaty to end World War II. The issue remains unresolved, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.