Russia stages missile drills near disputed Kuril Islands after Putin visit
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Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted large-scale missile exercises near the disputed Kuril Islands on August 22, 2026, days after President Vladimir Putin's visit to the chain. The drills involved Bastion anti-ship missiles, the cruiser Varyag, and the nuclear submarine Omsk, with all targets at least 300 km away reported hit. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called the buildup and exercises unacceptable.
Key Facts
- Russia's Pacific Fleet launched Bastion anti-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest island in the Kuril chain, during exercises on August 22, 2026.
- The drills included the fleet's flagship cruiser Varyag and the nuclear-powered submarine Omsk, simulating an attack on enemy ships.
- All targets at a distance of at least 300 kilometers were reported hit with full accuracy.
- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking during a visit to Oman, said the military buildup and exercises in the Northern Territories were unacceptable.
- President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands on August 13, 2026, escalating tensions between Moscow and Tokyo.
The Missile Drills
Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted large-scale missile exercises near the disputed Kuril Islands on August 22, 2026, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo. Bastion anti-ship missiles were launched from Etorofu, the largest island in the chain, while the fleet's flagship cruiser Varyag and the nuclear-powered submarine Omsk also took part. The drills simulated an attack on enemy ships, and all targets at a distance of at least 300 kilometers were reported hit with full accuracy.
Japan's Response
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, speaking during a visit to Oman, said the military buildup and exercises in the Northern Territories were unacceptable. Motegi stated that Tokyo would respond in a timely and necessary manner in line with its national interests.
Escalating Tensions
Tensions between the two countries escalated after Putin's official visit to the islands on August 13, 2026. Following the visit, Japan summoned Russia's ambassador to Tokyo, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the islands were Japanese territory under international law and that the visit hurt public sentiment. The United States declared support for Japan's sovereignty during the process. Relations, already strained by Tokyo's sanctions on Moscow after the Ukraine war, have entered a more critical phase with these latest military moves.
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Russia stages missile drills near disputed Kuril Islands after Putin visit
