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The Kremlin is considering another "referendum" – this time on the Kuril Islands. Thus, part of the disputed territory should go to Japan
An expert from the Bellingcat investigation team, Khristo Groves, wrote on his Twitter page, citing his source in Moscow.
Read also: Preparing the answer: The media unveiled Russia's intentions to create a powerful defense system in the Kuril Islands
The expert believes that the purpose of this so-called referendum is to legitimize the annexation of Crimea and relaunch relations with the West. At the same time, everything will be subject to strict control and most of the territory will remain in Russia.
Grovev says that it would be a little more important to stress Moscow's willingness to dispose of its territories as such. Here, the Kremlin will try to activate the version according to which "it was the same thing in Crimea"
By the way, the former head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergei Lavrov, said that the issue of Russia's sovereignty over the Kuril Islands was not addressed, as they fall within the territory of the Russian Federation.
What is the essence of the conflict between Japan and Russia?
Four islands of the Kuril Ridge, namely Iturup, Shikotan, Kunashir and Habomai, annexed by the Soviet Union after the Second World War. After the war, they were incorporated in the southern district of Kuryly of Sakhalin oblast. Japan does not recognize Russian sovereignty over the islands and regards them as theirs.
In 1956, the USSR and Japan signed a declaration on the completion of hostilities, but the peace treaty has not yet been signed. After the collapse of the USSR, the dispute over the affiliation of the islands broke out with renewed vigor. The settlement of the dispute in international courts is blocked by Russia. 
Four of the closest islands of Japan are trying to restore the country
On November 14, 2018, at a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Japan, he It was agreed to return to the discussion of the terms of the 1956 memorandum, which Moscow had agreed to hand over to Japan at two of the four islands.
What does the Russian-Japanese declaration of 1956 say? In accordance with this document, the USSR and Japan declared an end to the state of war between the two countries that existed after the Second World War, as well as the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. In addition, the statement assumed that the Soviet authorities would agree to grant Japan two disputed islands in the Kuril Islands to four – Shikotan and a group of Habomai islands.
Please note that it would act as a step forward in order to sign a comprehensive peace agreement, but the response to the signing of the US-Japan Security Treaty In 1960, the USSR canceled its island transfer commitments. Since then, no peace agreement has been signed between Moscow and Tokyo.
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