Russia’s simulated enemy attack around disputed islands angers Japan
Russian fleet launched missile drill near what Moscow calls the Kuril Islands but Japan regards as its Northern Territories Japan has criticised missile tests carried out by Russia’s navy around the disputed islands visited by Vladimir Putin last week amid continuing tensions between the two countries. Russia’s Pacific fleet said on Thursday that it had fired Bastion surface-to-ship missiles from…
Russia's Pacific fleet conducted missile drills near the Kuril Islands, which Japan considers its Northern Territories. The drills simulated an attack on enemy vessels, hitting all targets around 300km away. The exercises included a nuclear-powered submarine and a guided-missile cruiser. Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, expressed concern over the drills, stating that they go against Japan's stance on the territories.
The Russian fleet began the drills on August 4th, and Japan was notified in advance that they would include live-fire drills. On August 5th, Japan lodged a protest against the large-scale maneuvers. Russian President Vladimir Putin observed some of the exercises from the Varyag during his visit to the disputed islands and Sakhalin, a large Russian island north of Hokkaido.
He expressed concern about the region becoming increasingly prone to conflict and tensions rising due to NATO's activities and the emergence of new military and political blocs. The Russian drills are scheduled to continue through August 29th.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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