Russia Protests Japan's Hosting of US Missile Systems
Moscow issues formal complaint over Typhon missile deployment, citing security threats.
Russia's Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal protest with Japan regarding the latter's decision to host U.S.-made medium-range missile systems. The ministry stated that the deployment of the U.S. Typhon missile systems on the island of Kyushu poses a threat to Russia's security, regional peace, and stability, and has urged their removal.
Earlier this month, Russia issued a note of protest to Tokyo. On Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko met with Akira Muto, the Japanese ambassador to Moscow, to emphasize the seriousness of the concerns.
This diplomatic friction follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit last month to the Kuril Islands, a Pacific archipelago claimed by both Russia and Japan. The Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in the final days of World War II, and the unresolved territorial dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty to end their hostilities. Russia maintains that its sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands is absolute.