Japan protests Russian missile tests near disputed islands

Japan has lodged a strong protest against Russia's recent naval missile tests conducted around islands disputed by both nations, a move that follows President Vladimir Putin's visit to the area last week. The drills, carried out by Russia's Pacific fleet, involved firing Bastion surface-to-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest island in the archipelago, simulating an attack on enemy vessels.

Officials reported that the exercises included a nuclear-powered submarine and a guided-missile cruiser, hitting all targets approximately 300 kilometers away. These maneuvers are part of a broader context of continuing tensions over the sovereignty of the islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories or Four Northern Islands, while Russia considers them part of the Kuril Islands.

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We cannot tolerate moves to strengthen military power on the Four Northern Islands because they go against our country’s stance [on the territories].

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan "cannot tolerate moves to strengthen military power on the Four Northern Islands because they go against our country’s stance." The territorial dispute over these islands dates back to the 19th century, with the Soviet Union seizing them from Japan at the end of World War II.

The Russian drills, which began on August 4 and are scheduled to continue through August 29, involved a significant military presence. According to the Russian news agency Tass, the exercises included approximately 60 surface ships, submarines, and support vessels, about 30 aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems, and over 13,000 service members. Putin himself observed some of these exercises on August 12 during his trip to the disputed islands and the nearby Sakhalin island.

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The region is unfortunately becoming increasingly prone to conflict, with Nato seeking to gain a foothold here and the emergence of new military and political blocs. There are efforts and plans to deploy new weapons systems here, which creates threats for our country.