According to Tass report on September 28th, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Lukashevich stated that Russia does not believe Japan will withdraw the US missile systems after the joint military exercises, and warned that Russia will not stand by and do nothing about it.
During an interview with the Russian newspaper 'Message of Russia', Ludenko said: 'The Japanese authorities promised us that these missiles will be removed after the military exercises are over.'
"Unfortunately, we have little trust in the current Japanese authorities. For this reason, we have issued warnings that Russia will not remain indifferent to such actions."
According to previous reports, the US military transported the Typhoon surface-launched missile system to the Kagoshima Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, in June this year. This system is primarily used in conjunction with the US-Japan ‘Dragon Shield’ joint military exercises, as well as the US-Japan-Australia ‘Eastern Shield’ joint military exercises in September. The system can be used to launch medium-range and short-range missiles.
In addition to the 'Dexion' system, the US military will also deploy the 'HIMARS' multiband rocket system during the exercise.
Russia has requested the removal of the 'Thaфn' missile system from Japanese territory. A spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zaharova, stated that Russia sent a protest note to Japan on September 3rd regarding the deployment of the 'Thaфn' intermediate-range missile system by the United States in Japan. The document specifically noted that despite multiple negotiations between Russia and Japan, the presence of the 'Thaфn' missile system is considered a threat to Russia's national security, as well as to regional peace and stability. Nevertheless, the Japanese government continues to insist on taking this action.
"Regardless of Japan's pretext, regardless of the deployment timeframe and method, deploying this missile system on its territorial frontier is prohibited," Zaharova emphasized. Russia demanded that Japan stop this practice and withdraw the aforementioned missile systems from its territory.
Additionally, Zhahrova stated that the Japanese leadership must fully recognize the outcome of World War II, including the territorial issues related to the Kuril Islands (referred to as the "Four Northern Islands" by Japan), and abandon its policy of militarization.
