Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun 
Russian President Vladimir Putin (©Reuters).
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February 7 marked the third Northern Territories Day since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin invaded and illegally occupied Japan's four northern islands in the summer of 1945, just before the end of the war. These islands, Etorofu, Shikotan, Habomai, and Kunashiri, are Japan's inherent territory. The invasion occurred when the Soviet Union unilaterally broke the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Pact.
As with the invasion of Ukraine, this was an unforgivable violation of international law.
Missed Opportunities
Eighty years have passed since then. On the battlefield in Ukraine, Russia's brutal attacks, reminiscent of the invasion of the four islands, have continued for nearly three years.
Immediately after the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration imposed sanctions on Russia in coordination with the West. In retaliation, Russia unilaterally suspended peace treaty negotiations with Japan. As part of these talks, Japan had been seeking the return of the islands. However, Putin never had any intention of returning the territories in the first place. He cannot be considered a legitimate negotiating partner.
What Japanese diplomacy must reflect on is its response since then. While the world watches Russia's actions in Ukraine, Japan has missed an opportunity to raise awareness. Russia carried out similar aggression against Japan at the end of World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that "Russia has no right" to the Northern Territories. Furthermore, he has expressed his intent to stand in solidarity with Japan, recognizing the historical legitimacy of the restitution of the four islands.
Why has Japan not responded to this encouraging message? Even at the G7 Hiroshima Summit two years ago, the Northern Territories issue was not raised at all. Japan continues to miss a prime opportunity to make the national aspiration for the return of the islands a shared cause on the global stage.
The Need for a Strategy
In January 2024, Putin pledged to eventually visit the Northern Territories. Later, in September 2024, he proposed the establishment of a new museum to commemorate the operation to occupy the islands.
On September 3, 2025, Russia's designated "80th anniversary of victory over Japan," Putin is expected to visit China. There, he will likely hold an elaborate celebration with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will also mark the occasion. Around this time, there is a possibility that Putin will make a provocative visit to the Northern Territories.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba must take countermeasures against China's and Russia's anti-Japan alliance. With reports of Russia's national power weakening due to the prolonged invasion of Ukraine, Japan must take this into account. It should formulate strategic measures to leverage international opinion in securing the return of the four islands.
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Author: Editorial board, The Sankei Shimbun
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