Tensions between Moscow and Tokyo over the disputed Kuril Islands come from the Japanese side, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Japanese interviewers. He added that the example of China shows that such disputes can be resolved.
“We believe that we have no territorial problems whatsoever. It is Japan who believes it has territorial disputes with Russia. We are ready to discuss this,” Putin said, referring to Japan’s claim over four islands in the Kuril Archipelago, an issue that remains a big stumbling block in the relations between the two countries.