Russia tests missiles near Japanese-claimed islands after Putin’s visit
Russia’s Pacific Fleet said on Thursday it has conducted a missile test off a group of Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands amid an intensifying row over the disputed territory following President Vladimir Putin’s first-ever visit there last week. While it was unclear exactly when the test was carried out, the announcement comes after the Russian foreign ministry summoned Japanese Ambassador to…
On August 13, President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island, one of the four Russian-held Japanese-claimed Northern Territories, sparking a diplomatic dispute between the two nations. Russia's Pacific Fleet announced on Thursday that it had conducted a missile test in the area, involving the Bastion surface-to-ship missile system and the guided missile cruiser Varyag alongside the Omsk nuclear-powered submarine.
The test, which struck targets at least 300km away, aimed to simulate an attack on enemy vessels. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed Japan's displeasure, stating that such actions are unacceptable due to their violation of Japan's stance on the contested territory. Japan lodged a protest with Russia following the missile exercise, which began last Sunday, arguing that the islands were unlawfully seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.
Russia maintains the islands became part of its territory after World War II, escalating tensions between the nations already strained by Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
