Japan Protests Russian Missile Exercises Near Disputed Islands

Russia conducted missile firing exercises off the South Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by Japan. The Japanese government lodged a formal protest against the maneuvers, stating that the military buildup in the islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories, is unacceptable. According to the Russian Pacific Fleet, the exercise involved the Bastion surface to ship missile system, the guided missile cruiser Varyag, and the Omsk nuclear powered submarine. The fleet reported that the exercise simulated an attack on enemy vessels and successfully hit all targets at a range of at least 300 kilometers.

These exercises occurred shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the archipelago, marking the first official visit by a Russian president to the islands since 2010. The visit prompted Japan to summon Russia's ambassador, a move that Moscow reciprocated. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi asserted that the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory under international law. Analysts suggest the visit and subsequent drills may be a warning to Japan regarding its support for Ukraine and cooperation with NATO. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated since the 2022 conflict in Ukraine began, with Japan joining G7 sanctions against Moscow.