Russia tests missiles near disputed Kuril Islands, stoking Tokyo tensions — Bloomberg

The Russian Navy announced that live missile launches were executed from a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and a Bastion coastal defense missile system positioned in the Southern Kuril Islands area.

According to the report, the missiles successfully struck designated targets positioned at a distance of over 300 kilometers. While the Pacific Fleet did not disclose the precise firing coordinates, Russia originally deployed Bastion coastal defense missile batteries to Iturup Island (known in Japan as Etorofu) in 2016.

Responding to the military drills, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters that Russia’s ongoing military buildup across the disputed islands directly contradicts Japan's position and remains unacceptable.

Russia has controlled the Southern Kuril Islands since Soviet forces seized them from Japan in the final days of World War II.

On Aug. 13, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made his first official visit to the disputed territory by traveling to Iturup Island, triggering formal diplomatic protests from Tokyo.

Putin's visit and the subsequent missile drills take place as Japan aligns with Western allies in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, including the enforcement of economic sanctions against Moscow. Tokyo also provides non-lethal defense aid to the Ukrainian military, such as body armor, protective gear, and transport vehicles.