Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island

No Comment Video. Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 13/08/2026 - 13:00 GMT+2 Russia's President Vladimir Putin observed naval exercises off Sakhalin Island on Thursday before travelling to the disputed Kuril Islands, prompting a strong protest from Japan. Footage released by Russian state television showed President Vladimir Putin aboard the missile cruiser Varyag, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, watching live‑fire naval exercises and an underwater explosion off Russia’s Far East. He later travelled to one of the archipelago's four main islands, marking the first visit to the Kurils by a Russian president since Dmitry Medvedev went there in 2010. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the visit as "absolutely unacceptable", saying the islands were an inherent part of Japan. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned Russia's ambassador in Tokyo to lodge a formal protest, warning that the visit could further damage already strained relations. The Kuril Islands have been disputed by Russia and Japan since 1945, when the Soviet Union seized the archipelago. Home to around 20,000 Russians, the islands are strategically important to Moscow for their military position and access to the Pacific, while the surrounding waters and nearby Sakhalin are rich in fishing, oil and gas. Putin’s visit and the naval drills reinforce Russia’s territorial claims and military presence in the region, sending a clear message to Japan and its Western allies. Russia Japan Kuril Islands Drills russian navy Vladimir Putin Top stories Now playing Next Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island Now playing Next Russian drone strikes passenger train in Odesa region, killing driver Now playing Next Soaring stingray numbers off California beaches drive record injuries Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | August 13th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Timelapse of partial solar eclipse seen from Royal Observatory Greenwich Now playing Next Japan slams Putin following first visit to disputed Kuril islands Now playing Next Colombia: "scene of horror" as Pereira rescuers search rubble Now playing Next Mount Etna eruption: Catania airport closes, ash cloud reaches Libya Now playing Next Solar eclipse plunges large swathe of Spain into total darkness Now playing Next Music brings cultures together In partnership with Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Now playing Next 'I think we will keep it,' Trump says about control of Hormuz strait Now playing Next Germany beefs up intelligence services as 'foreign' threats rise Now playing Next Aerial footage captures total solar eclipse over Spain Now playing Next Half a million visitors flock to Spain’s path of total solar eclipse Now playing Next Rare eclipse plunges parts of Europe into darkness Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | August 13th, 2026 – Morning ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Quake leaves Colombian towns in ruins as Valle del Cauca counts dead No Comment Colombia quake rescuers save woman after 36 hours trapped in rubble No Comment Moment Cali hospital collapses after powerful Colombia earthquake No Comment Europe scrambles for eclipse glasses as solar power output set to dip Europe News Tourist guides raise the alarm as Europe braces for another heatwave USA Trump hails 'wall of steel' blockade, says US will keep control of Strait of Hormuz Europe News Solar eclipse plunges parts of Spain into total darkness in first such event in a century Grand Voyager Grand Voyager | Exploring Switzerland and its wonders Europe News Extreme heat: Half of Europe's population exposed to temperatures exceeding 30C Culture news ‘The Office’ star British actor Lucy Davis reveals incurable cancer diagnosis Europe News Germany beefs up its intelligence services as threat from 'foreign powers' rises Lifestyle Fragrant fortunes: Doha's Teeb Al Hazm plans London debut as Gulf perfumes gain wider appeal ADVERTISEMENT Europe News Mount Etna eruption: Catania airport closes and ash cloud reaches as far as Libya Tech News British driver sets speed record in hydrogen-powered car Health news E-scooters ‘public health challenge’ as number of injuries involving kids soared 15 times in UK Europe News Two killed in Kherson as Ukraine hits Russia's Black Sea naval base Europe News Europe readies for total solar eclipse- So, what will happen in the once-in-a-generation stellar spectacle? Europe News Putin threatens retaliatory seizures of European ships The Cube Fake videos and false allegations target candidates in French 2027 presidential election Europe News Morocco accuses Spain of assaulting migrants crossing into Ceuta and claims sovereignty over enclave ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT