Russia begins military exercises in disputed territory with Japan

Russian troops began exercises on the Kuril Islands, which Japan considers its own. It is reported by Reuters .

The exercises began a few days after Moscow stopped peace talks with Japan, as the state imposed sanctions against the aggressor because of the attack on Ukraine.

Russian media say that the Russian Federation is conducting military exercises in the Kuril Islands with the involvement of more than 3,000 troops and hundreds of pieces of military equipment.

Russia and Japan have not yet concluded a peace treaty following the results of World War II. The signing of the agreement is hindered by the territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands.

Earlier, Tokyo called the return of the Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai islands the main condition for signing the treaty.

Russia's position is that the southern Kuriles legally became part of the USSR following World War II, and Russian sovereignty over them is beyond doubt.