Japan protests Russian drills near disputed islands

Japan has lodged a formal protest against Russia after receiving notification that the nation intends to conduct military exercises near Russian-controlled islands off the coast of Hokkaido, beginning Wednesday. According to Japanese government sources, Russia has stated that live-fire drills will be carried out until Monday in the waters surrounding Kunashiri and Etorofu islands, two of the four islands claimed by Japan but held by Russia.

These islands, collectively known as the Northern Territories in Japan, are presently referred to as the Kuril Islands in Russia. Through diplomatic channels, Japan has expressed its inability to accept Russia's actions aimed at fortifying its military presence around the Northern Territories, including the recent exercises. Recently, Russia has increased its military activities near the Northern Territories.

In late July, Russia announced missile drills by its Pacific Fleet along the coasts of the Chishima and the four Russian-held islands. These islands were taken from Japan by the Soviet Union shortly after World War II's conclusion. The territorial dispute has hindered Tokyo and Moscow from finalizing a peace treaty following the war.