4.2K views · 312 reactions |  A historic event is taking place in the Kuril Islands : a new fault has formed on the Ebeko volcano, and now it has two active craters.The Ebeko volcano, 1156 m high, is located 6 km from the city of Severo-Kurilsk, in the northern part of the Vernadsky Ridge. It is one of the most active Kuril volcanoes. | From Russia with Love | Facebook

A blast from the past! 🌋 Sarychev Volcano (on Matua Island northeast of Japan) was in the early stages of an eruption when an astronaut on the International Space Station captured this video on June 12, 2009—15 years ago today. Sarychev Peak is one of the most active volcanoes in the Kuril Island chain, and has erupted at least 4 times since this video was taken. | NASA History

Russia’s announcement that it will hold live-fire drills near the south Kuril Islands has concerned Japan. Japan lodged two protests with Russia after Moscow announced military drills near the contested islands. Kremlin responded by saying the drill shouldn’t concern Japan. Moscow has also said it will test fire some missiles near the islands and close to Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Kunashiri is one of several disputed islands off Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido. | CRUX