Russia rebukes Japanese envoy in disputed islands row

Japanese ambassador Akira Muto arrives at the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow after being summoned over Japanese officials’ criticism of a visit by President Vladimir Putin to the disputed Kuril islands. (Photo: AFP)

MOSCOW - Russia on Tuesday rebuked Japan’s ambassador to Moscow over the disputed Kuril islands, which President Vladimir Putin visited for the first time last week.

Bilateral relations have long been strained over the Kurils, known in Japan as the Northern Territories.