Kuril

Russia plans to install antiship and antiaircraft missiles on the Kuril Islands, a move likely to heighten tensions with Japan, which claims the territories.

What's News 2011

MOSCOW—Russia plans to install modern antiship and antiaircraft missiles on the Kuril Islands, a move likely to heighten tensions with Japan, which claims those territories as its own.

Russia to Boost Military Force on Disputed Kuril Islands Gregory L. White 2011

Japan reacted quickly and angrily to the Russian president's visit to a disputed island in the Kuril chain.

Japan Protests Russian President's Visit to Disputed Isle 2010

The Kuril Islands are in an area with rich fishing waters and natural gas deposts.

Disputed Isles 2011

European Pressphoto Agency Russian President Dmitry Medvedev walked past a Soviet-era fortification during his visit to Kunashir, one of the Kuril islands.

Medvedev Visits Disputed Island Yuka Hayashi 2010

Japan reacted quickly and angrily to the Russian president's visit to a disputed island in the Kuril chain.

Japan Protests Russian President's Visit to Disputed Isle 2010

The Kuril islands lie just north of Japan's main northern island, Hokkaido.

Japan Protests Russian President's Visit to Disputed Isle 2010

"We will make all necessary efforts to strengthen our presence on the islands of the Kuril Chain."

Russia, Japan Fail To Calm Tensions Gregory L. White 2011

The Kuril islands lie just north of Japan's main northern island, Hokkaido.

Japan Protests Russian President's Visit to Disputed Isle 2010

Less than a month ago the Russian government seemed locked in an escalating war of words with Japan over the four disputed Kuril Islands, going so far as to threaten the deployment of the S-400 air defense systems and Yakhont anti-ship cruise missiles to protect the territories.

Simon Saradzhyan: Russia Presses Ahead With Nuclear Plants After Japan Crisis Simon Saradzhyan 2011