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Vladimir Putin conducts naval drills and visits disputed islands to signal military strength to Japan

The Russian Pacific fleet conducted missile drills near the Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by Japan as the Northern Territories. During the exercises, a unit equipped with the Bastion coastal missile system on Etorofu fired missiles at targets 300km away, hitting all marks. The drills, which involve approximately 60 surface ships and 13,000 personnel, are scheduled to continue until August 29. Vladimir Putin observed the exercises from the flagship Varyag before making his first-ever visit to the disputed archipelago. The visit prompted a diplomatic row, with Japan lodging a protest and summoning ambassadors in both capitals. Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan cannot tolerate Russia's moves to strengthen military power in the region. The dispute over the islands dates back to the 19th century, with the Soviet Union seizing them from Japan at the end of World War II. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as Japan joined its G7 partners in imposing sanctions on Moscow.

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