Russia expresses heightened concern over Japan’s recent increase in military activity near its western and northern approaches. The disclosure came from the Russian Ambassador to Tokyo, Nikolai Nozdrev, who conveyed Moscow’s views to Russian media outlets. He framed the situation as a growing factor in regional security dynamics, highlighting that these moves are part of ongoing discussions and actions across multiple forums and alliances.
Nozdrev noted that the developments unfold in both bilateral talks and broader multilateral formats. He pointed out substantial involvement by the United States military, along with several NATO members and other partners allied with Washington in the Asia-Pacific region. The ambassador stressed that these participants contribute to a security environment that affects Moscow and its neighbors, prompting careful monitoring and responses where appropriate.
The interview with Nozdrev occurred at a moment when he had newly assumed his duties in Tokyo. It served to outline Russia’s perspective on the intensification of military postures near Russia’s borders, including activities conducted by the Japanese armed forces and their potential implications for regional stability.
In a separate operational update, the Russian navy reported a recent training event involving the diesel-electric submarine Volkhov. During this exercise, the submarine conducted a Caliber missile launch in the Sea of Japan. The firing range surpassed a thousand kilometers, demonstrating the vessel’s long-range capabilities and the strategic value of missile testing conducted in waters adjacent to Japan and the broader Pacific region.
Throughout the mission, Volkhov was escorted and supported by ships from the Pacific Fleet. The operation benefited from air cover and the involvement of naval aviation assets, including unmanned aerial systems, which helped secure the launch area. These measures illustrate how Moscow integrates surface, submarine, and air elements to sustain a credible deterrent and to demonstrate tactical reach in a contested maritime theater.
Earlier, Russian electronic warfare drills were conducted in the Sea of Japan, signaling a continued emphasis on information and electronic countermeasures as part of nationwide military readiness. Such exercises underscore the emphasis placed on gaining and maintaining situational awareness across air, sea, and cyber domains, particularly in areas near Japan and allied forces operating in the region.
The confluence of enhanced patrols, long-range testing, and electronic warfare drills in and around the Sea of Japan highlights a broader strategic calculus. Moscow remains wary of any further acceleration of regional defense postures that could complicate crisis management, threaten maritime safety, or disrupt existing security arrangements. Observers note that the interplay among bilateral ties, allied coalitions, and regional military activities is likely to shape the next phase of security conversations in East Asia and beyond, with both sides seeking clarity on intentions, constraints, and potential avenues for de-escalation.