A volcanic archipelago in Russia’s Far East, militarily administered by Sakhalin Oblast
The UK has granted Kyiv access to blueprints for UK-made components of the Scalp missile, enabling Ukraine to produce long-range cruise missiles. Russia has warned Britain against escalating the conflict, calling the moves a form of
European nations and the UK are intensifying efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, with new EU sanctions allowing the sale of seized Russian oil cargoes. Putin warns that seizures amount to piracy and promises a response, while Western and Russian officials describe a growing maritime confrontation surrounding sanctioned oil shipments.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has visited Iturup (Etorofu) in the disputed Kuril Islands, watched Pacific Fleet naval drills including live-fire missile launches, and toured a fish-processing plant, hospital and school. Japan has summoned the Russian ambassador and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have called the visit "absolutely unacceptable," reaffirming Tokyo's claim to the islands.
The Pacific Fleet has fired Bastion coastal missiles from Etorofu, simulating an attack on enemy ships at about 300km. A submarine and a guided-missile cruiser took part, with exercises running from 4 August to 29 August and prompting protests from Japan over regional territorial disputes.