Leaked Russian documents reveal plans to attack Japan, South Korea

The Financial Times reported the information.

These documents were part of a repository containing 29 classified Russian military files, mostly related to the preparation of officers for a potential conflict on the country’s eastern border during 2008-2014. The documents are still relevant to Russia’s current strategy.

According to these documents, the Russian military identified 160 targets, including roads, bridges, and industrial facilities, selected to prevent the regrouping of troops in operational deployment areas.

The documents revealed Moscow’s serious concerns about the vulnerability of its eastern borders in the event of a conflict with NATO.

Asia was noted as a key region in President Vladimir Putin’s strategy, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia has increased cooperation with North Korea, deploying 12,000 North Korean soldiers in combat roles in Ukraine, which has strengthened economic and military ties with Pyongyang.

William Alberque, a former NATO arms control official currently with the Stimson Center, remarked that the document leak and North Korea’s recent deployments had conclusively proven that European and Asian theaters of war are directly and inextricably linked.

He emphasized that Asia cannot stay uninvolved in a European conflict, just as Europe cannot remain passive if war breaks out in Asia.

The list of targets for Japan and South Korea includes both military and civilian sites. The first 82 targets were military, such as command centers and air bases, while civilian targets focused on energy infrastructure, including nuclear power plants and oil refineries. For example, the Kanmon Tunnel was listed for Japan, while bridges and industrial facilities were included for South Korea.

The documents also detailed possible attacks using non-nuclear Kh-101 cruise missiles. One scenario involved an attack on Japan’s Okushiri Island radar base using 12 missiles launched from a Tu-160 bomber, with an estimated 85% chance of successfully destroying the target.

The outlet noted that these plans reflect Russia’s confidence in its missile systems, though this confidence may be overstated.

• On December 23, South Korean military officials reported that North Korea was likely preparing to deploy additional troops and provide Russia with more military equipment, including kamikaze drones, in support of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.