MOSCOW, July 17 — Russia has issued a formal protest to the Japanese Embassy in Moscow over Japan’s participation in U.S. Air Force military exercises conducted near the Russian border.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the protest concerns Japan’s involvement in the Resolute Force Pacific drills, which are being held from July 9 to August 4 at various military training sites in the Asia-Pacific region, including areas close to Russia’s Far Eastern frontier.
The ministry described the exercises as provocative and claimed they bear the “hallmarks of preparation for armed conflict.” While Washington and Tokyo characterize the drills as aimed at strengthening deterrence and response capabilities, Moscow believes they send “a direct signal” regarding efforts to undermine Russian defense readiness.
“The Russian side considers such irresponsible activity unacceptable,” the statement read. “It poses a potential threat to the security of the Russian Federation and will inevitably prompt adequate countermeasures.”
The protest reflects growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, where U.S. allies have stepped up joint military operations in response to increased geopolitical pressure from China and Russia.
