Putin Quashes Japanese Hopes of End to Island Dispute Under pressure from nationalists, the Russian president backed off previous hints that he was ready to end a 73-year tussle over the Kurile Islands. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Why European Leaders Ambushed Theresa May in SalzburgBrazil Fires Diplomat Accused of Assaulting WomenMexico’s President-Elect Vows to Fly Commercial Despite DelayCambodia Frees Australian Filmmaker Convicted of SpyingThe Death Toll for Afghan Forces Is Secret. Here’s Why.The Saturday Profile: A ‘Hillbilly’ From Arkansas, Doing Life in Qatar