Russia accuses Japan of militarization amid territorial disputes

Russian presidential advisor Anton Kobjakov has accused Japan of pursuing a course of revanchist militarization under the pretext of territorial disputes with Russia. According to Kobjakov, Japan is currently acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States, upgrading its air and missile defense systems, and modernizing and expanding its navy. There are also reports of discussions regarding Japan's potential production of nuclear weapons.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated following a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands, located in the Sakhalin region. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed a ‘decisive protest’ regarding the visit, leading Japanese diplomatic officials to summon the Russian Ambassador to Tokyo, Nikolay Nozdrev. In response, the Russian side stated that presidential visits to the Kuril Islands are not subject to discussion with foreign states.