Russian subs fire missiles in Sea of Japan amid Ukraine tension
Protesters hold posters in Tokyo last month during a rally against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (AP pic)
MOSCOW: Russian submarines in the Sea of Japan have fired cruise missiles during exercises, the defence ministry said today, at a time of tension with Tokyo over its support for Ukraine.
The ministry announced two submarines off far eastern Russia, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and the Volkov, fired Kalibr cruise missiles from underwater at a target.
It posted video footage of the missiles rising out of the sea as the submarine crews simulated coming under missile attack.
Japan has joined tough Western sanctions on Moscow and welcomed several hundred Ukrainians fleeing the conflict as well as sending non-lethal military aid.
Last Friday, Tokyo announced fresh sanctions including a ban on Russian coal, a significant energy import, as well as the expulsion of eight Russian diplomats over “war crimes” in Ukraine.
Russia announced in March that due to Japan’s response to the conflict, it was abandoning long-standing diplomatic efforts to reach a peace treaty formally ending World War II with Japan.
These have been hampered by a dispute over four islands that Russia controls, which Japan calls the Northern Territories.
MOSCOW: Russian submarines in the Sea of Japan have fired cruise missiles during exercises, the defence ministry said today, at a time of tension with Tokyo over its support for Ukraine.
The ministry announced two submarines off far eastern Russia, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and the Volkov, fired Kalibr cruise missiles from underwater at a target.
It posted video footage of the missiles rising out of the sea as the submarine crews simulated coming under missile attack.
Japan has joined tough Western sanctions on Moscow and welcomed several hundred Ukrainians fleeing the conflict as well as sending non-lethal military aid.
Last Friday, Tokyo announced fresh sanctions including a ban on Russian coal, a significant energy import, as well as the expulsion of eight Russian diplomats over “war crimes” in Ukraine.
Russia announced in March that due to Japan’s response to the conflict, it was abandoning long-standing diplomatic efforts to reach a peace treaty formally ending World War II with Japan.
These have been hampered by a dispute over four islands that Russia controls, which Japan calls the Northern Territories.
Japan has an iron-clad Article 5-type defence treaty with the Yankees.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Japanese have a heavily armed military of their own.
F-35s , F-15s, Apache Gunships, a Navy with more combat power than the British, the world's 3rd largest economy.
Russia better forget about attempting crude intimidation against a Japan. You have enough trouble fighting poor little Ukraine.
Wakakakaka…
DeleteIf the Jap r armed to their teeth, then why still need an uncle to be their iron-clad Article 5-type defence protector?
Ooop… that's the price of been the appointed Asia curl of Yankee Doodle.
But would the Yank come to its rescue when the doggie butt is been kicked?
Mmmm… current state Ukraine is the best example! & maybe forcing the Korean to supply arms, aka NATO style, to the Jap!
Several important points to note:
ReplyDelete1. Russia will not remain silent while Japan takes unfriendly action against it.
2. Japan has no nuclear weapons
3. Now Russia will stop negotiations on a peace treaty to formally end WW2.
4. A potential hot spot for conflict is heating up again
5. Not sure if US can fulfill its treaty agreements with Japan considering the US is also busy in the Taiwan Straits.
The question is, even if the US is willing to play sheriff around the world, does it have the capabilities? I doubt it. The US has not won a war since WW2. Its record is actually very dismal; culminating with the rout in Afghanistan. (not that I support the Taliban)