Russia Conducts Missile Drills Near Islands Claimed by Japan
Russia has conducted missile drills near the Southern Kuril Islands, an area claimed by both Russia and Japan, triggering a strong protest from Tokyo.
The Russian Pacific Fleet carried out missile launches against simulated enemy vessels, involving a nuclear-powered submarine, the guided-missile cruiser Varyag and the Bastion coastal-defense missile system.
The exercises come shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island, one of the disputed islands, in what was his first official visit to the territory. Japan has strongly opposed Russia’s growing military presence in the area and maintains its claim over the islands, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Russia’s continued military buildup and missile drills in the disputed territory were unacceptable and contradicted Japan’s position on the islands.
The missile exercises further increase tensions between Moscow and Tokyo over the long-running territorial dispute, which has remained unresolved since the end of World War II.
The drills are also taking place amid broader military tensions across the Asia-Pacific region, making the Russian military presence around the disputed islands an increasingly sensitive security issue for Japan.