Kathmandu— The Russian Navy successfully conducted a missile test in the vicinity of its Kuril Islands on Thursday, according to the Pacific Fleet, just one week after Japan formally protested Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first-ever visit to the archipelago. The drills involved the Varyag guided missile cruiser, the Omsk nuclear submarine, and a Bastion surface-to-ship missile system firing at targets simulating enemy vessels approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) away, with targeting data provided by naval aviation. Objective control data confirmed all targets were destroyed, the fleet stated.

Japanese Response to Drills

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi responded to the missile drills by stating that Tokyo “cannot tolerate moves [by Russia] to strengthen military power on the four Northern Islands because they go against our country’s stance [on the territories].” Japan had previously lodged a protest with Russia after Moscow notified them of the planned test last week, according to Kyodo News. The exercises represent a further complication in already strained relations between the two nations.

Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

The missile test follows a series of diplomatic clashes sparked by President Putin’s visit to Iturup, the largest of the Kuril Islands, on August 13th. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi deemed the trip “absolutely unacceptable,” asserting it “hurts the feelings of the Japanese people.” Motegi also maintained that the four southernmost islands are historically and legally part of Japan. In response, Russia summoned Tokyo’s ambassador to Moscow to protest what it called “anti-Russian statements” by Japanese leadership.

Territorial Dispute Background

The Kuril Islands, a chain stretching from Kamchatka to Japan’s Hokkaido, were seized by the Soviet Union following World War II and incorporated into the USSR. Japan continues to claim sovereignty over Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islands – collectively referred to as the “Northern Territories.” This territorial dispute has prevented the signing of a formal peace treaty between Russia and Japan for eight decades. The Russian Foreign Ministry affirmed that its sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is “inviolable,” citing post-World War II agreements and the UN Charter.

Moscow Issues Warning

The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned that Moscow “reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures” in response to Japan’s adherence to Western sanctions against Russia and its support for Ukraine. This statement suggests a potential link between the territorial dispute and broader geopolitical tensions.

The situation remains tense, with both countries maintaining firm positions on the Kuril Islands dispute and signaling willingness to defend their respective claims.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.