Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan

Japan has expressed outrage over missile drills conducted by Russia's navy near the disputed islands visited by President Vladimir Putin in the past week. On August 20, 2026, Russia's Pacific fleet announced it had fired surface-to-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest island in the contested archipelago, targeting vessels 300km away.

The drills involved a nuclear-powered submarine and a guided-missile cruiser, according to reports. This move comes after Putin's visit to Etorofu, the largest of the four islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Kuril Islands in Russia. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, during a visit to Oman, stated that such actions to bolster military presence in the region are unacceptable, as they contradict Japan's position on the territories.

The Russian fleet began its exercises on August 4, and Japan was notified in advance that they would include live-fire drills. Japan lodged a protest against the extensive maneuvers on August 5. The Russian news agency Tass stated that the drills involved around 60 surface ships, submarines, and support vessels, approximately 30 aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems from the Pacific fleet's naval aviation, and more than 13,000 personnel.

President Putin witnessed some of the exercises on August 12 during his visit to the disputed islands and Sakhalin, a Russian island north of Hokkaido. He expressed concern over the region's escalating tensions, warning of increasing conflict, NATO's encroachment, and new military and political blocs forming. The Russian drills are expected to continue until August 29, 2026.