Russia conducts missile drills near Japanese-claimed Kuril Islands

Russia has conducted missile launch drills in the waters near the Kuril Islands, a move that has intensified a long-standing territorial dispute with Japan. The exercise, reported by Russia's TASS news agency, took place off the coast of the southern Kurils, an archipelago Japan claims as its Northern Territories.

According to the Russian Pacific Fleet, the drills simulated attacks on targets representing enemy ships, all of which were successfully destroyed. The exercise reportedly involved advanced assets, including the nuclear-powered submarine 'Omsk' and the cruiser 'Varyag.' Coastal defense missile systems were also deployed on one of the islands, firing Onyx anti-ship missiles at targets over 300 kilometers away. Russia maintains that these drills were part of a pre-scheduled training program.

Japan, however, has vehemently protested Russia's actions. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated during a visit to Oman that "military buildup in the Northern Territories is contrary to Japan's position and is unacceptable." The dispute centers on four islands – Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets – which the Soviet Union occupied at the end of World War II. Japan argues these islands were not included in the territories it renounced in the San Francisco Peace Treaty.

The drills follow President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Iturup Island, one of the disputed territories, marking his first visit to the Kurils during his 22-year tenure. This visit, coupled with the subsequent military exercises, is seen by many as a strong message from Russia to Japan, particularly as Japan supports Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Japanese media interpreted the missile launch from Etorofu Island as a deliberate attempt by Russia to reassert its effective control over the Northern Territories through military might.

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Military buildup in the Northern Territories is contrary to Japan's position and is unacceptable.