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Russia is conducting military drills on the disputed Kuril Islands, close to the Japanese northernmost main island of Hokkaido, Reuters reported, quoting Russia’s Interfax news agency.
The report said that the exercise involves more than 3,000 troops and large amounts of defence equipment.
Russia and Japan are yet to sign a peace treaty to formally end World War II hostilities due to disagreements over the Russian-controlled Kuril Islands.
Russia recently suspended peace talks with Japan regarding the islands after the latter imposed a series of sanctions on Russian individuals, banks, and organisations, in response to Moscow’s ongoing invasion on Ukraine.
Moscow has also withdrawn from joint business projects on the islands.
According to Interfax, the military drills on the islands involved exercises to hone skills against amphibious warfare.
This included destroying aircraft that transports troops, and operating fire control systems of anti-tank guided missiles, as well as engaging mock enemy aircraft.
The Japanese media claimed that the exercises were being conducted on Tokyo-claimed territory.
The Ukraine conflict has been ongoing for more than a month.
Last week, the Finnish and British governments said that they will deliver additional military aid to the war-affected country.
Finland did not close the contents of the package while the UK said it will be sending an additional 6,000 new defensive missiles and financial assistance for the Ukrainian military.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the government is planning to purchase a missile defence system to counter potential attacks.
In an interview, Chancellor Scholz said that the potential acquisition is under consideration, but he did not specify any particular system.
