Russia warns Japan over deployment of US Typhon missile systems

Russia has warned Japan that it could take countermeasures in response to the deployment of US Typhon missile systems near Russian borders during military exercises, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday, September 1.

“Deployment of this type of weaponry on Japanese territory, including under the pretext of military exercises, is absolutely unacceptable, as it poses a threat to Russia's security,” Zakharova said.

She added that Moscow had warned Tokyo of possible “compensatory countermeasures” aimed at ensuring Russia's national security.

Russia has also lodged a formal protest with the Japanese Embassy over the planned Orient Shield exercises involving Japan, the United States and Australia. The drills are scheduled to take place from September 8 to 24, including on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido.

Zakharova called on Tokyo to return to the principles of pacifism and said Russia's sovereignty over the Kuril Islands was not in question.

By Tamilla Hasanova