Russia summoned Japan's ambassador to Moscow to protest what it called 'anti-Russian' remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, made after President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, according to Al Jazeera.
Key facts
- Russia summoned Japan's ambassador to Moscow, according to Al Jazeera.
- The protest concerned remarks by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi that Moscow described as 'anti-Russian'.
- The move followed President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands.
- The development was reported by Al Jazeera on 18 August 2026.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow to lodge a formal protest over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to Al Jazeera. Moscow characterised the prime minister’s remarks as ‘anti-Russian’.
The protest came after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, Al Jazeera reported.
Al Jazeera reported the development on 18 August 2026, noting that the protest was tied to Takaichi’s comments following Putin’s trip to the islands.
Further details, including the specific content of Takaichi’s remarks and any Japanese response, were not provided in the source.
Why it matters
A formal diplomatic protest between Russia and Japan signals friction between the two governments. The source does not provide further context on the wider state of relations.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Russia summon Japan's ambassador?
According to Al Jazeera, Russia summoned Japan's ambassador to Moscow to protest remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Moscow described as 'anti-Russian'.remrem's remarks.
What prompted the Japanese prime minister's comments?
The comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Who is Japan's prime minister mentioned in the report?
The report names Sanae Takaichi as Japan's prime minister.