Japan lodges protest over Russian troops’ drills on Kuril Islands - TASS

Japan’s Foreign Ministry lodged a protest over the Russian troops’ drills on the southern Kuril Islands, the news agency Kyodo reported, citing diplomatic sources.

The drills involve firings on the Kunashir Island. The Japanese coast guard has issued a warning for fishing vessels that may pass near the island, the news agency said.

Moscow and Tokyo have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century. The main stumbling block to achieving this is the ownership issue over the Southern Kuril Islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan. After the end of World War II, the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union. However, the ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan Islands and uninhabited islands called Habomai has been challenged by Japan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over these islands, which is sealed in international documents, cannot be called in question.

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