On April 17, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry sent a strong protest to the Japanese Embassy in Moscow over Tokyo's plans to conduct exercises in June using SSM-1 anti-ship missile systems on the island of Hokkaido near the Russian border. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, such actions are considered absolutely unacceptable, as they could threaten the security of the region and provoke an escalation of tensions in bilateral relations. Moscow regards Japan's plans as an unfriendly move, especially in the context of a complex geopolitical situation. Despite the protest, the Japanese side did not respond to the warning.

The exercises planned for Hokkaido include the use of outdated SSM-1 (Type 88) missiles, which are gradually being replaced by more modern Type 12s. According to Russian authorities, the choice of location – in close proximity to the Kuril Islands and Primorsky Krai – is a deliberate show of force. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that such actions violate the spirit of good neighborliness and could undermine stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Moscow called on Tokyo to abandon provocative maneuvers and return to dialogue to resolve contentious issues.

Russia has previously expressed concern about Japan's military activity near its borders. In September 2024, Tokyo protested joint Russian-Chinese exercises in the Sea of ​​Japan, calling them a security threat.