US asserts Japanese sovereignty over Northern Territories

The US State Department has asserted that the Northern Territories belong to Japan, a statement intended to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from visiting the disputed islands.

In Italy, a large explosion occurred at an ammunition factory near Rome. The blast, which originated in a gunpowder compression area, was heard several kilometers away, though no injuries were reported.

In Japan, heavy rain is expected in Chiba Prefecture, with predicted rainfall of up to 150mm. Authorities have issued warnings for potential landslides due to loosened ground. Additionally, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake with a depth of 290km struck near eastern Gifu Prefecture, causing intensity 1 tremors in Fukushima and surrounding prefectures. No tsunami threat was reported.