According to the note, which was published on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese embassy in Moscow received a protest to the joint Japan-United States Eastern Shield maneuvers, which were held from July 18th to 26th.

Moscow noted that the military exercises were held very close to Russia’s borders, including near the island of Hokkaido, which was a potential threat to the security of the Russian Federation.

The Ministry stressed that Russia may take appropriate countermeasures to strengthen its defense capabilities concerning the maneuvers. It also warned Tokyo about taking actions to strengthen the protection of Russia’s sovereignty.

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