Russia conducted maneuvers in the Bering and Okhotsk seas on the final day of the “surprise check” on the combat capability of the Russian Pacific fleet. According to BulgarianMilitary.com, the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Defense conducted surprise and unexpected inspections of the composition, combat capability, and operational readiness, which began on April 14th and will end today.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered today’s maneuvers. They are classified as “unplanned maneuvers” and have a status of “full combat readiness.” The unplanned exercises alarmed Tokyo, especially after the Pacific fleet deployed a large number of warships in the Bering and Okhotsk seas.
However, the Russian Navy’s less deployed ships, according to China’s Baijiahao, are a source of concern. The two Tupolev Tu-95 ‘Bear’ strategic bombers on the ground are the source of concern. After taking off from their base, the two “Bears” began a rapid approach to Japan’s air defense zone. At some point, the Russian bomber crews maneuver and begin patrolling the Bering and Okhotsk seas.
Military experts in the region said Japan was taken aback by the Russian Pacific Fleet’s deployment and the launch of the two bombers. They claimed that the Russian fleet was acting as if it were launching an attack on Japan. In light of these actions, the lifting of the two bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads was regarded as a serious threat.
Japan expressed its displeasure. According to Chinese sources, Hirokazu Matsuno, Secretary General of the Japanese Cabinet of Ministers, sent a protest note to the Russian Federation’s Foreign Ministry.
According to BulgarianMilitary.com, the exercises are taking place near the Kuril Islands. It is a chain of islands claimed by both Russia and Japan. Japan owns four of these islands, the last of which was purchased by a private Japanese investor and later donated to the Tokyo government.
According to Russian media, the Russian Foreign Ministry accepted the Japanese government’s protest note but explained that the skills did not violate any international rules or norms.
