Russia is an 'Immediate Threat to Europe's Security': Japan's Defense Ministry

In its annual report, Japan's Ministry of Defense has classified Russia for the first time as a "unique and immediate threat" to Europe's security. Additionally, the Japanese Defense Ministry has expressed concerns regarding Moscow's activities in the Kuril Islands, which Tokyo claims as its territory.

According to a document submitted to the Japanese government for study, "Russia's external activities and military trends leading to aggression in Ukraine undermine the foundations of the international order and represent the most serious and immediate threat to Europe."

Tokyo is particularly worried about "Russia's external actions, its military trends, and strategic cooperation with China." Furthermore, the Japanese Defense Ministry has voiced dissatisfaction over the deployment of Russian weapons and military equipment in the Kuril Islands of Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup, and Habomai, which Tokyo refers to as its "Northern Territories."