I would think that the standard procedure for these kind of ASAT tests would be to miss the target by some, on purpose. It's basically just a show of force. But

I would think that the standard procedure for these kind of ASAT tests would be to miss the target by some, on purpose. It's basically just a show of force. But sooner or later you need to find out whether your system works or not. Yes, it's utterly destructive by nature, but there's only one way to know. And I think the Russians (and other countries) have done these exercises multiple times before, where they've missed the target. It is naturally not known if they've missed on purpose, or by mistake. And FWIW, both USA, China, and India have working ASAT weapons. So it's def. not only the Russians being evil for the sake of being evil.