Russia’s Pacific Fleet announced on Thursday that it had conducted a missile test near the disputed islands claimed by Japan, escalating tensions between the two nations. The test occurred off the shores of Etorofu Island, the largest of the four islands known as the Northern Territories by Japan and the Southern Kurils by Russia. This follows President Vladimir Putin’s historic visit to the region on August 13, marking his first official trip to the islands since they were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945. The missile exercise, involving the Bastion surface-to-ship missile system, was carried out by a naval unit stationed on Etorofu, with the guided missile cruiser Varyag and the nuclear-powered submarine Omsk participating in the operation. The test successfully hit all targeted vessels at a distance of at least 300 kilometers, according to the Russian military. Japan expressed strong objections to the missile drills, viewing them as a provocative escalation of the long-standing territorial dispute. A Japanese government spokesman confirmed that the country had formally protested Russia’s notification about the planned tests. The dispute over the islands, which includes Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets, dates back to the end of World War II. Japan asserts that the islands were illegally taken by the Soviet Union shortly after Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. Russia, however, maintains that the islands became part of its territory through the outcome of the war. The issue has remained unresolved for decades, with diplomatic talks frequently stalling over sovereignty and access rights. The timing of the missile test coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, relations between Japan and Russia have deteriorated significantly. Japan, alongside other members of the Group of Seven, imposed economic sanctions on Moscow, while supporting Ukraine through financial aid and non-lethal defense assistance. The situation has further complicated bilateral negotiations over the disputed islands. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi criticized Russia’s military activities in the region, stating that such actions contradict Japan’s stance on the Northern Territories and are unacceptable. His comments came during a visit to Oman, highlighting the broader strategic implications of the dispute. Putin’s visit to the islands, which are under Russian administration, was preceded by his inspection of the Russian island of Sakhalin, where naval exercises were underway. This marked the first time a Russian president had visited the Northern Territories since Dmitry Medvedev in 2010. The visit was interpreted by some analysts as a calculated move to assert control over the region and signal to Japan that increased military activity in the area is justified. Some speculated that the visit might have been intended to deter Japan from strengthening its ties with Ukraine, particularly in light of Japan’s potential consideration of providing non-lethal defensive systems to Kyiv. While Japan has relaxed some export controls on defense goods, it remains legally restricted from supplying lethal weapons to countries engaged in active warfare. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow, Akira Muto, in response to Japan’s formal protest over the missile tests. This followed Japan’s decision to recall the Russian envoy after the presidential visit, indicating a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations. The incident underscores the fragile nature of the bilateral relationship, which has been further strained by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that the missile drills serve multiple purposes, both as a demonstration of military capability and as a means of reinforcing Russia’s claim over the disputed territory. Meanwhile, Japan continues to emphasize its historical and legal claims, supported by the stance of Ukraine and the United States, which recognize Japanese sovereignty over the islands. As the situation develops, the focus will likely remain on how both sides manage their competing interests. With ongoing military exercises and diplomatic posturing, the dispute over the Northern Territories appears far from resolution. The latest developments highlight the complex interplay of history, geopolitics, and national security in the region. For now, the immediate concern is the continued militarization of the area and its impact on regional stability.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Japan
