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Russia’s Pacific Fleet has conducted a major missile drill near the disputed southern Kuril Islands, firing Oniks, Vulkan and Granit anti-ship missiles at simulated enemy targets more than 300 kilometres away. The exercise involved the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, nuclear-powered submarine Omsk and a Bastion coastal missile system. Russia said all designated targets were successfully hit. The drills come amid renewed tensions with Japan over the disputed islands, after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup earlier this month. Tokyo has protested Russia’s continued control of the islands, which Japan calls its Northern Territories. The latest military exercise adds another layer to the escalating Moscow-Tokyo dispute.