FX.co ★ Seven reasons why Russia cannot give Kuril Islands to Japan

The Kuril Islands belong to Russia

"There can be many treaties and agreements, and they contradict with each other. There is a fact. Yes, Russia claimed the islands by force after the war. But before, during the Russo-Japanese War, Tokyo claimed them by force too. These islands were part of the Russian Empire. They cannot be given to Japan," told Semen Bardasarov.

According to him, Russian cannot give away part of its territory, including the Kuril Islands. If Moscow gives the islands to Tokyo, this will seriously damage Russia's global image.

The appetites of other countries will grow

even if one of the islands is given to Japan this would be a precedent to revise the results of World War II, Sergei Luzyanin, director of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies pointed out.

"In particularly, we're talking about the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco. According to the document, Tokyo's sovereignty is restricted to the Japanese islands only. The document didn't mention the Kuril Islands," the expert said.

He added that such a precedent would have dangerous consequences and will not serve Russia's interests.

Tactical victory for the United States

Giving part of the Kuril Islands to Japan would mean a "little tactical victory" for the United States, one of Japan's main allies, Luzyanin said. Despite the fact that Tokyo is showing independency in its foreign policy, Washington still has leverage to pressure Japan. "If Japan gets the islands it will be a gift for the US and a serious psychological blow to Russia," he suggested.

Russia's security will be under threat

If Russia gives the Kuril Islands to Japan this will shatter country's regional security, both experts said.

"The Soviet Union had a powerful defense system, from the Kuril Islands to Vladivostok. Its facilities were located also on the Kuril Islands. After the USSR collapsed the system was destroyed. But if Russia gives the islands to Japan now restoring a new defensive system will not be possible. It is needed to protect Russia's eastern borders," Bagdasarov said.

The Kuril Islands also have straits of strategic importance. Plus, there are Russian bases located nearby. If Russia gives them to Japan its defense capacities in the Pacific would be undermined, Luzyanin added.

It is inadmissible to squander resources

Experts believe that the Kuril Islands transfer to the Land of the Rising Sun will greatly affect the marine bioresources of the Russian Federation. Coastal island waters are the treasure trove of marine resources, such as fish and seafood.

Unstable position of Russian population in the Kuriles


Finally, the population of the Kuril Islands is Russian nationals. They shouldn't be hostages of international disputes, Bagdasarov noted.

"The islands can be used jointly by Russia and Japan. But this should be done with care. A legal basis is needed to protect the rights of the people living there," he said.

The discords will begin within the country

Russia's refusal from the Kuril Islands can cause serious conflicts among Russians, experts believe. The discords will begin within the country, nationalists and representatives of the left parties will become more active. As a result, the confidence to the authorities will be undermined.