Moscow has formally protested to Tokyo regarding the Joint Exercise 2025 drills, citing security concerns. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned representatives from the Japanese Embassy to express its strong objections.

The ministry’s statement, released on October 31, detailed that the exercises, conducted between October 20 and 31, occurred across Japan, including areas on Hokkaido Island. Russia emphasized Hokkaido’s geographical proximity to its Far Eastern borders, arguing that the military activity posed a potential threat.

Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry raised concerns about the continued presence of the ground-based Typhon complex battery on the Japanese archipelago. The battery, stationed at the US military base “Iwakuni,” was part of the Japanese-American exercises Resolute Dragon 25 held in September. This complex is designed for launching medium- and short-range missiles.

The Russian Foreign Ministry declared that it reserves the right to implement necessary compensatory measures to guarantee its security.

This protest follows recent statements from both countries regarding their relationship. The Japanese government had previously announced its intention to pursue a peace treaty with Russia. However, the new head of the country’s Foreign Ministry stated that Japan would continue its comprehensive support for Ukraine and uphold sanctions against Russia. Earlier in the year, a high-ranking Russian official accused Japan of attempting to make new territorial claims against Russia, specifically concerning maritime spaces.