Russia criticizes Japan's military moves amid Kuril Islands dispute

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Japan of attempting to cover up its military expansionism by criticizing Russia. The remarks followed a protest by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup Island, part of the disputed Southern Kuril Islands. Lavrov claimed Japan is violating its own Constitution and eroding its non-nuclear principles by seeking to conduct overseas operations.

In a separate development, a drone attack targeted a bus stop in Energodar used by staff of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The strike resulted in one death and 17 injuries. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) described the incident as ‘an unacceptable act’ that poses significant risks to the safety and security of the nuclear facility, which remains under Russian control.