Russia conducted a rare missile exercise involving naval vessels and a land-based launcher near islands in its far east that are also claimed by Japan, adding to recent friction between the two nations. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/21/japan/russia-missile-northern-territories/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #russia #russiajapanrelations #defense #vladimirputin #northernterritories #disputedislands