Putin's Provocation: A Missile Test Too Far Russia has been flexing its military muscles in the Pacific, and this week's missile test near the disputed Kuril Islands is a stark reminder of Vladimir Putin's penchant for territorial posturing.
The fact that the test came just days after his high profile visit to Etorofu Island only adds to the sense of calculated provocation.
The islands themselves have been a point of contention between Russia and Japan since World War II, with both nations claiming sovereignty over the chain.