Japan pledges control over situation in response to Putin's promise to visit Kurils

Following the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on his intention to visit the Kuril Islands, Japan will monitor the situation and react if necessary, the head of the Japanese government, Yoshimasa Hayashi, has said.

According to TASS, he noted that he would not comment on every statement made by Russian officials, but stressed that "the government will monitor the situation and react accordingly".

The Chief Cabinet Secretary also reiterated Japan's position on Russia in relation to the situation in Ukraine. Tokyo will maintain sanctions against Moscow and continue to support Kyiv, Hayashi added.