Russia Conducts Missile Drills Near Disputed Islands; Japan Protests

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.