Russia Blames Japan for Deteriorating Ties and Warns Over Joint US-Japan-Australia Drills

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Japan bears full responsibility for the recent decline in Moscow-Tokyo relations. He made the claim while in Kyrgyzstan, noting that Japan’s reaction to his visit to a disputed northern island did not surprise him. In the same period, the Russian Foreign Ministry formally protested to the Japanese embassy over planned joint defense exercises that will involve the United States and Australia.

Putin Blames Japan for Worsening Ties: Tass Russia Warns Japan Over US Typhon Missile Drills Russia Voices Concern over Japan-U.S.-Australia Drills

Earlier this month, Putin visited Etorofu, one of the four islands that Japan calls the Northern Territories but Russia controls. The visit sparked condemnation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, prompting a diplomatic exchange of protests. At the same time, Japan has been expanding its defence cooperation with the United States and Australia, including the deployment of the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system—capable of launching SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles—on Japanese soil for joint drills. This shift marks a move away from Japan’s post-World-War II pacifist security stance.

Russia Warns Japan Over US Typhon Missile Drills

Putin told reporters that Russia had not taken steps to worsen relations and had even made concessions in peace-treaty talks, yet he held Japan accountable for the diplomatic strain. Both officials framed the issue as a matter of national security rather than a routine diplomatic disagreement.

Putin Blames Japan for Worsening Ties: Tass

The upcoming Orient Shield 26 exercises are scheduled for September 8–24 and will be conducted mainly in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Approximately 3,700 personnel from the three nations are expected to take part, making this the largest edition of the drills to date. The inclusion of the Typhon system represents the first time the United States will field ground-based long-range strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia Warns Japan Over US Typhon Missile Drills

The dispute illustrates a classic security dilemma: measures that Japan and its allies present as deterrence are interpreted by Russia as direct threats, prompting Moscow to consider counter-measures. The drills deepen military integration between Japan, the United States, and Australia, while Russia’s protests signal heightened strategic pressure on its Far Eastern borders. Continued diplomatic protests and the potential for “compensatory countermeasures” could further strain Russia-Japan relations and contribute to broader militarisation in the Indo-Pacific arena.

Russia Warns Japan Over US Typhon Missile Drills Russia Voices Concern over Japan-U.S.-Australia Drills