Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed the opinion that it is difficult to return the four northern territories to Japan under the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.
“If the islands were put under the sovereignty of Japan, there is a theoretical possibility that U.S. forces would be stationed there. Russia cannot accept such a situation,” Putin said during a meeting with senior members of the foreign press held in St. Petersburg.
During the meeting, Putin was asked about his nation’s military buildup in the northern territories. The Russian president justified Moscow’s action after expressing concerns about the missile defense system the United States has begun deploying in South Korea.
“The islands [northern territories] are ideal locations to contain threats for us,” Putin said.
Russia deployed surface-to-ship missiles on Kunashiri and Etorofu islands in November. In February, the nation announced it will deploy a new military division to the northern territories and its surroundings, progressing Russia’s plan to make the northern territories a military foothold.