Russia conducts missile tests near Kuril Islands, drawing protest from Japan

Russia's Navy has successfully conducted missile tests near the Kuril Islands, an area claimed by both Russia and Japan. The Pacific Fleet announced the drills involved the Varyag missile cruiser and the nuclear-powered submarine Omsk, along with the Bastion coastal missile system.

The exercises, carried out near the southern Kuril region, simulated attacks on enemy ships approximately 300 kilometers away. Russia's Pacific Fleet confirmed that objective control data verified the destruction of all targets. This successful test occurred just a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to the islands, a move that drew strong condemnation from Japan.

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Tokyo cannot accept Russia's actions to strengthen its military power on the four northern islands of Japan. This is because it is contrary to Japan's stance.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reacted sharply to the military exercises, stating that Tokyo cannot accept Russia's military buildup on the four northern Japanese islands. He emphasized that such actions are contrary to Japan's position. Japan had previously lodged a protest with Russia after being informed of the impending missile tests.

Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador to Moscow to express its strong objection to critical statements made by Japanese leaders. Japan maintains that the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain are historically and legally part of Japanese territory. However, Russia asserts that its sovereignty over the southern Kurils is indisputable, citing post-World War II agreements.

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Any attempt by the Japanese side to directly or indirectly question this clear fact is completely unacceptable and illegal.