Exercises on islands disputed by Japan, days after it withdrew from peace talks in response to Tokyo's decision to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has announced.
The news is causing global concern as many fear the war could spread beyond Ukraine.
What are the disputed islands
Four islands - which Russia calls the Southern Kuriles and Japan calls the Northern Territories - have been the subject of a dispute between the two nations that has lasted more than 70 years, the BBC notes.
Because of the dispute, Russia and Japan have yet to sign a peace treaty to end World War II (!).
Earlier this week, Russia said it was withdrawing from negotiations with Japan aimed at signing such a treaty because of Tokyo's tough stance on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Now, Russia's Eastern Military District has announced that it will hold military exercises on the islands with more than 3,000 troops and hundreds of military vehicles.
Japan had earlier condemned Russia for pulling out of peace talks and cutting off joint economic projects related to the islands.
More in a moment...
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