However, the response they received was a firm refusal from the Russian side:
"Release our people first, and then we'll release yours. Otherwise, there's nothing to discuss."
At this point, the situation had reached a stalemate, with the whole world watching. The only thing left was further military deployments and the threat of armed force.
But then, an incident that occurred two days later escalated tensions between the two nations even further!
Over 50 Japanese individuals, without authorization from Russia, forcibly landed on Kunashir Island—one of the four disputed Northern Territories under Russian control. They even planted a Japanese flag, blatantly provoking Russia's patience and testing its limits.
Fortunately, that very night, all 50 individuals were apprehended by the Russian military. If they had managed to plant their flag and sneak back to Japan, it would have been a humiliating disaster for the Russian government.
"Mr. Mavi, late last night, our forces on Kunashir Island captured 52 Japanese individuals who illegally landed on the island. Just as you predicted, they likely succeeded with assistance from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. Good thing we caught them in time—otherwise, the consequences could have been serious."
A rear admiral from Russia's Pacific Fleet personally called Mavi to report this relatively positive news.
"As long as we have them in custody, that's what matters. Thank you for your hard work, Admiral."
In truth, Mavi hadn't expected the Japanese to be reckless enough to land by force. However, based on his knowledge from a past life, a similar event had occurred before—more than 70 Japanese individuals had secretly landed on the Northern Territories with assistance from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.
These individuals carried large amounts of satellite communication equipment, and the majority were geological survey experts. Their true purpose was espionage—to gather intelligence on Russian military installations hidden on the islands. After all, during their attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese had stockpiled significant military forces on Kunashir Island.
Following the capture of the 52 intruders, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement:
"These 52 Japanese individuals will be charged with crimes including illegal entry and espionage. They face prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years."
With this public statement, tensions between Russia and Japan escalated dramatically.
On the very same day, Japanese Prime Minister Ichiro Kantani swiftly announced to the world that Japan's Self-Defense Forces would conduct a large-scale naval exercise in Japanese territorial waters.
This was intended to showcase Japan's maritime military strength and simultaneously pressure Russia into releasing the 60-plus detained Japanese citizens.
At this stage, Russia's military could no longer remain passive. If Japan, a historically powerful naval force, was preparing military exercises in the Sea of Japan, then Russia's Navy and Air Force had no choice but to respond with a show of strength.
Immediately, the Russian President issued a direct order to Naval Headquarters:
"Deploy the Pacific Fleet's Akula-class attack submarines and Oscar-class cruise missile submarines to standby near Sakhalin Island. Additionally, dispatch other fleet vessels to reinforce the Sea of Japan as soon as possible!"
The Akula-class attack submarines and Oscar-class cruise missile submarines were core assets of the Russian Navy. Even the United States Seventh Fleet treated these submarines with caution.
Initially, the Russian President had also considered deploying Russia's only conventional-powered aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, to the Sea of Japan. Unfortunately, the carrier was stationed with the Northern Fleet, making rapid deployment difficult.
This was one of the reasons why the Russian President wanted Mavi's assistance in constructing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers—too many neighboring countries were constantly provoking conflicts at sea.
"Understood, Mr. President! I'll begin the deployments immediately," the Russian Navy's Supreme Commander replied respectfully over the phone.
---
### The Day of Japan's Military Exercise
Time passed quickly, and soon, the day of Japan's naval military exercise arrived. Since the announcement had been made days in advance, numerous international media outlets had already arranged for helicopters to reach the designated waters for live coverage.
A conflict between Russia and Japan was a major global event, and for reporters who lived for breaking news, this was akin to sharks smelling blood—they would do whatever it took to capture the moment.
They didn't have to wait long.
At Japan's Maizuru Naval Base, the Maritime Self-Defense Force launched an impressive fleet into the waters:
- Three Kongō-class destroyers
- One Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer
- One Izumo-class helicopter destroyer
- Dozens of Chikugo-class missile frigates and anti-submarine vessels
The scale of this military exercise was massive.
The Kongō-class destroyers were equipped with the Aegis Combat System, had a full displacement of 9,485 tons, and a top speed of 30 knots—currently the largest combat ships in Japan's fleet.
The Hyūga-class and Izumo-class helicopter destroyers were officially classified as helicopter carriers, but in reality, they were amphibious assault ships with full-length flight decks.
Although Japan, as a former Axis power, was prohibited from owning aircraft carriers, these vessels could be easily modified to accommodate fixed-wing aircraft. In essence, they were quasi-aircraft carriers.
Moreover, Japan had significantly understated the true displacement of the Izumo-class. While officially listed as 19,500 tons, its 248-meter length and 38-meter beam (plus a 6-meter-wide overhanging flight deck) suggested a displacement closer to 45,000 tons—putting it in the same category as a medium-sized aircraft carrier.
Including those in service and planned for construction, Japan was expected to operate a total of nine of these quasi-carriers. This naval strength gave Japan the confidence to challenge Russia and neighboring countries.
Seeing such a formidable display, the journalists aboard helicopters eagerly turned their cameras toward the enormous warships below.
Particularly striking were the armed helicopters densely packed on the decks of the helicopter carriers—an unmistakable show of force.
Just as reporters were busy capturing every detail, a new development sent another wave of excitement through the air.
From the Japanese mainland, dozens of massive P-3C Orion anti-submarine patrol aircraft suddenly appeared, soaring toward the exercise zone.
These P-3Cs were purchased from the United States and equipped with GPS, radar, electro-optical sensors, and a formidable arsenal—including up to 9 tons of Mk46/50 torpedoes, depth charges, mines, rockets, Harpoon missiles, Maverick missiles, and sonar buoys.
Their mission was clear: to counter any hidden submarines.
With over 100 P-3C aircraft in its fleet, Japan possessed the second-best anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the world.
In recent years, numerous military experts had warned:
"Japan's military is on the verge of transforming from a self-defense force into an interventionist force, from defensive to offensive, from a domestic focus to a global reach. Their ambitions have always been clear."
(End of Chapter)