The Russian Pacific Fleet said on the 20th that a mixed strike force conducted
missile-firing exercises in waters near the Southern Kurils (Japanese: Northern
Territories/Northern Four Islands), engaging simulated enemy ships and claiming
all targets were hit. The statement said missile cruiser Varyag fired anti-ship
missiles, nuclear submarine Omsk launched P-700 Granit cruise missiles, and a
shore-based coastal anti-ship system also fired anti-ship missiles; strike
targets were more than 300 km from launch points. Russia did not specify the
timing of the training. Kyodo reported on the 21st that Japan’s foreign minister
Motegi, speaking in Oman on the 20th, said strengthening armaments on the
Northern Four Islands violates Japan’s position and is “unacceptable.”
