AFP reported this, according to Ukrinform.

"The United States remains unwavering in its support of its most important ally and in its recognition of Japanese sovereignty over the Northern Territories," the diplomat said.

He added that the United States "strongly opposes any action that undermines its peace and stability " in the Indo-Pacific region.

As reported by Ukrinform, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi lodged a protest with Russia following Putin's visit to Etorofu Island, which is part of a group of islands off the eastern coast of Hokkaido Prefecture that were occupied by the former Soviet Union after World War II.

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Japan's Foreign Ministry said that Tokyo is considering steps in response to the Russian dictator's visit.

In March 2022, the Japanese government restored the phrase "illegally occupied" to its annual Diplomatic Bluebook in reference to the Northern Territories, which include Etorofu, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands. Tokyo maintains that the Soviet Union illegally seized the Northern Territories shortly after Japan's surrender in World War II in August 1945. Moscow claims that the takeover was "lawful."

In October 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recognized the Northern Territories of Japan as occupied by Russia by presidential decree.