Russia Suspends Innocent Passage Near Disputed Kuril Islands

Russia Restricts Maritime Access Near Disputed Islands

The Russian Federation has reportedly suspended the right of innocent passage for foreign naval and government vessels in the waters surrounding the Kuril Islands, a move that has drawn a strong protest from Japan. The suspension, which reportedly took effect on a recent Monday in October, applies to ships not registered in Russia and also encompasses waters east of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island.

Details of the Suspension and Affected Areas

The restriction specifically targets waters around the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, which Japan refers to as its Northern Territories. These islands include Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and Habomai. While Russia has not explicitly stated the reasons for this particular suspension, similar past actions have been linked to scheduled military activities, such as firing exercises. For instance, military drills were scheduled near Shikotan Island from October 10 to November 1. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a coastal state may temporarily suspend innocent passage in designated areas of its territorial waters if essential for its security.

The Enduring Kuril Islands Dispute

The territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands is a long-standing point of contention between Russia and Japan, preventing the formal conclusion of World War II with a peace treaty. The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in 1945 at the end of the war and have remained under Russian control since. Japan maintains that these islands are its 'inherent territory' and were illegally occupied, while Russia asserts they were acquired legally through post-war agreements.

International Law and Japanese Reaction

The concept of 'innocent passage' under UNCLOS allows ships of all countries to pass through territorial waters, provided the passage is 'continuous and expeditious' and not prejudicial to the coastal country's peace, good order, or security. In response to Russia's latest action, Japan has lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels, describing the measure as 'unacceptable' and a violation of international maritime law. This incident further strains relations between Moscow and Tokyo, which have already been tense due to Japan's alignment with Western sanctions against Russia following the conflict in Ukraine, leading to Russia suspending peace treaty talks in 2022.