Russia Fires Missiles at Islands Japan Claims as Its Own
Russia's Pacific fleet launched Bastion surface-to-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest of the disputed Kuril Islands, in a simulated attack on enemy vessels from about 300 kilometers away [1]. Japan condemned the drills as unacceptable, just days after President Vladimir Putin visited the area [1].
The islands are known as the Kuril Islands in Russia but are called the Northern Territories by Japan, and the dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty after World War II [1]. Tokyo called the exercises unacceptable, adding to rising tensions between the two neighbors [1]. Putin's trip to the region last week had already drawn sharp criticism from Japan's government [1].
The missile launch comes amid broader regional security concerns, as India and Japan have signed a new naval agreement to improve their ability to detect and destroy underwater mines, aiming to secure critical trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region [2]. The pact focuses on shared technology and joint training exercises, with the first coordinated drills expected within the next year [2].