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[INTERNATIONAL] · Russia, Japan · 5 sources

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Russia conducts missile drills near disputed Kuril Islands

Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted missile training exercises near the disputed Kuril Islands, specifically involving the largest island, Etorofu (known in Japan as Iturup). The drills included a mixed strike force utilizing the Varyag missile cruiser to fire Vulcan anti-ship missiles, the Omsk nuclear-powered submarine to launch Granit cruise missiles, and the Bastion coastal missile system to fire Onyx missiles from the island's shore. All simulated targets, located over 300 kilometers away, were reportedly hit.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed that the military buildup in the disputed islands is unacceptable and contradicts Japan's official stance on the territory. The exercises are part of a larger-scale Russian naval operation involving approximately 60 vessels, 30 aircraft and unmanned systems, and over 13,000 service members. This military activity follows a recent visit to the islands by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has further heightened tensions between Moscow and Tokyo.

Entities

Japan · Maria Zakharova · Pacific Fleet · Russia · Toshimitsu Motegi · Vladimir Putin

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