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    Japan Protests Russian Missile Tests Near Disputed Kuril Islands

    Section editor: ·Low4 articles covering this·4 news sources·Updated 2 months ago·World
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    Map of the Kuril Islands showing missile range and flags of Japan and Russia.

    What happened

    On August 22, 2026, Japan lodged a formal protest against Russia for missile tests conducted off the disputed Kuril Islands.

    The Context

    • Territorial Dispute: The Kuril Islands have been under Russian control since 1945, with Japan claiming them as its Northern Territories.
    • Military Escalation: Russia's missile tests involved advanced systems and were conducted shortly after President Putin's visit to the islands, heightening tensions.
    • Diplomatic Strain: Japan's protest follows its alignment with G7 sanctions against Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, indicating a deteriorating relationship.

    The Number

    300 km

    — This is the minimum range at which Russia's Bastion missile system successfully struck targets during the exercise, showcasing its military capabilities in the region.

    Takeaway

    Expect ongoing diplomatic tensions as both nations navigate their complex historical relationship and military posturing.

    4 Articles
    Emarat Al Youm

    اليابان تحتج على تجارب صاروخية روسية قبالة «جزر كوريل» اليابان تحتج على تجارب صاروخية روسية قبالة «جزر كوريل»

    Japan has lodged a protest with Russia following the latter's announcement of plans to conduct missile tests near the disputed Kuril Islands, which have been administered by Moscow since 1945. This move has heightened tensions between the two nations...

    2 months ago
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    Okaz

    روسيا تصعّد قرب جزر متنازع عليها.. اختبار صاروخي يثير غضب اليابان

    Russia conducted rare missile drills near the disputed Kuril Islands, involving naval vessels and coastal defense systems, escalating tensions with Japan. The Russian Pacific Fleet announced that missiles were launched from a nuclear submarine and a ...

    2 months ago
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    Asharq Al-Awsat

    Japan Protests Russian Missile Tests off Disputed Islands

    Japan has expressed strong protests against Russia's missile tests conducted near the disputed Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by both nations. This development follows heightened tensions in the region, particularly after Russian President Vladim...

    2 months ago
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    RT (Russia Today)

    Russia conducts missile test near Kuril Islands after Japanese protest

    Russia conducted a missile test near the Kuril Islands shortly after Japan expressed strong protests against President Vladimir Putin's visit to the disputed territory. This visit marked the first by a Russian leader since the islands were seized by ...

    2 months ago
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