The Russian President made a robust display of power by visiting the disputed Iturup (also known as Etorofu) Island, one of the islands of the contested Kuril chain, via a warship. The move, laden with geopolitical implications, is bound to heighten tensions between Japan and Russia, who have been locked in a territorial dispute over the islands since the end of World War II. The visit is a show of strength by Russia and may have potential ramifications for diplomatic relations between the two nations.

This news is sensitive in Japan, given the longstanding dispute between Japan and Russia over the sovereignty of the Kuril Islands — a conflict that has prevented the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty to mark the end of World War II. The visit can be seen as a provocation and a show of ownership from Russia, causing uneasiness amongst the Japanese public and government.

In comparison, territorial disputes in the US or EU often involve legal quarrels or diplomatic discussions, rather than public demonstrations of power. They are typically handled with deliberation through international courts or through bilateral or multilateral negotiations.