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Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands draw criticism from Japan.

Russia fired Bastion missiles near disputed Etorofu during Pacific Fleet drills involving a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and 60 ships.

SourcesSouth China Morning Post00:48 UTCBloomberg01:02 UTCThe Guardian04:54 UTCSave

South China Morning Post, Bloomberg and The Guardian

Key points

From The Guardian’s report
  • Russia’s Pacific fleet fired Bastion missiles near Etorofu, hitting targets about 300km away.
  • Drills included a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and 60 ships.
  • Putin visited Etorofu last week, provoking Tokyo to summon ambassadors.
  • Japan objects to increased military activity on the Four Northern Islands, aka Kuril Islands.
  • Exercises began on August 4 and continue through August 29, with broad participation.

Why it matters. Japan criticized increased Russian military activity around the Four Northern Islands after Putin’s Etorofu visit prompted Tokyo to summon ambassadors.

What to watch. The exercises, which began August 4 and include broad participation, are scheduled to continue through August 29.

Coverage

Oldest first · UTC

“Russia tests missiles near Japanese-claimed islands after Putin’s visit”

Key points from South China Morning Post
  • Pacific Fleet conducted a missile test off the four disputed Northern Territories.
  • Bastion system and Varyag cruiser participated, with targets at least 300km away.
  • Testing followed Putin's August visit to Etorofu Island amid disputes.
  • Japan protested, summoning its ambassador to Russia over the trip.
  • Tensions remain high as Japan and allies sanction Moscow since 2022 invasion.
SourceSouth China Morning PostHong KongLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at South China Morning Post

“Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan”

Key points from The Guardian
  • Russia’s Pacific fleet fired Bastion missiles near Etorofu, hitting targets about 300km away.
  • Drills included a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and 60 ships.
  • Putin visited Etorofu last week, provoking Tokyo to summon ambassadors.
  • Japan objects to increased military activity on the Four Northern Islands, aka Kuril Islands.
  • Exercises began on August 4 and continue through August 29, with broad participation.
SourceThe GuardianUnited KingdomLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The Guardian

Coverage

Oldest first · UTC
SourceSouth China Morning PostHong KongLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at South China Morning Post“Russia tests missiles near Japanese-claimed islands after Putin’s visit”
Key points from South China Morning Post
  • Pacific Fleet conducted a missile test off the four disputed Northern Territories.
  • Bastion system and Varyag cruiser participated, with targets at least 300km away.
  • Testing followed Putin's August visit to Etorofu Island amid disputes.
  • Japan protested, summoning its ambassador to Russia over the trip.
  • Tensions remain high as Japan and allies sanction Moscow since 2022 invasion.
SourceThe GuardianUnited KingdomLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The Guardian“Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan”
Key points from The Guardian
  • Russia’s Pacific fleet fired Bastion missiles near Etorofu, hitting targets about 300km away.
  • Drills included a nuclear-powered submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and 60 ships.
  • Putin visited Etorofu last week, provoking Tokyo to summon ambassadors.
  • Japan objects to increased military activity on the Four Northern Islands, aka Kuril Islands.
  • Exercises began on August 4 and continue through August 29, with broad participation.

Why it’s in the Brief

Ranked 3rd of 10.

Starting score
5.0
Public-interest topic
+1.0
Public-interest terms in the text
+1.25
High-reliability sources
+0.75
Corroboration by independent outlets
+1.6
Score
9.6

The ranking is the same for everyone.

Perspective mix. 1 center-left · 2 center.RatingsAllSides and Media Bias/Fact CheckLean and credibility are curated from their public ratings.Unknown outlets stay unrated, never guessed.

Blindspot. No right-leaning outlet is covering this story. Worth knowing before you make up your mind.