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Russia Conducts Missile Drills Near Disputed Islands; Japan Protests

Conflict16 sourcesAug 22, 2026
FlatRigor 5016 sources

The Story

Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted a successful missile test near the Kuril Islands, holding missile drills in the area. Japan lodged a protest on Friday against Moscow's decision to conduct these missile tests off the disputed islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories. Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi criticized Russia's military buildup in these territories. The Russian Navy carried out the missile test a week after Japanese protests against President Vladimir Putin's first-ever visit to the archipelago earlier this month. The Pacific Fleet did not provide a precise location for the exercise, which involved naval vessels and a land-based launcher. Missiles were launched from a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and the Bastion coastal defense missile system. Japan's protest was in response to a notification about the plan to conduct the tests, which further escalated tensions between the two countries. Japan considers the islands its sovereign territory, asserting they have been illegally occupied by Russia since the end of World War Two. This territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty. Russia has increased its military presence on the islands in recent years, including deploying advanced missile systems.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Russia is conducting missile drills near the disputed Kuril Islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories.
  • Japan lodged a protest against Russia's missile tests off these islands.
  • The missile tests involved naval vessels and a land-based launcher.
  • Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi criticized Russia's military buildup in the disputed territories.
  • The territorial dispute over these islands has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty.

Where they split

  • CGTN and Bloomberg emphasize the "rare" nature of Russia's missile tests near the islands.
  • Channel News Asia and Al Arabiya English focus on Japan's formal protest against the missile tests.
  • NHK World-Japan highlights Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi's criticism of Russia's military buildup.
  • The Guardian includes a photograph of Vladimir Putin watching a missile launch during Russian Pacific fleet exercises.

Source Perspectives

Center15 sources
Right1 source