Russia has formally protested Japan's planned joint military exercises with NATO nations. On June 28, Russia delivered a note to the Japanese embassy in Moscow regarding the July drills, which will take place near the Kuril Islands—a territory claimed by Russia. Russia expressed its strong objection, stating that it is "categorically unacceptable to engage in military activity off Russia's far eastern coast, especially involving NATO members who are far removed from the region." Russia further emphasized that it perceives these exercises as a potential threat to its security.
