Russia Holds Military Drills Near Kuril Islands Despite Japan's Protest

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted missile strike drills near the coast of the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, according to Anadolu Agency.

The Pacific Fleet stated that surface ships, nuclear submarines, and coastal missile units participated in the drills on the 20th local time, simulating a response to a hypothetical enemy fleet 300 kilometers away, adding that "all targets were successfully hit."

Specifically, the guided-missile cruiser Varyag fired two Vulkan anti-ship missiles, and the nuclear submarine Omsk launched back-to-back Granit cruise missiles.

On one of the Kuril Islands, the Bastion coastal defense missile system fired an Onyx anti-ship missile.

The Pacific Fleet explained that the drills were part of regular combat training, but they have drawn attention as they come amid intensifying disputes between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands for the first time on the 13th.

President Putin visited Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, one of the four disputed islands in the Kuril chain, where he toured a seafood processing plant, a hospital, and a school.

The Varyag, which participated in these drills, was also the warship where President Putin received a briefing on military training plans during his inspection.

Following President Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, Japan has strongly protested, considering stronger sanctions against Russia.
 
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.