North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile in its first test in nearly a year, which would represent a significant advance in its ability to launch long-range nuclear strikes on the continental United States. Experts believe this action may be intended to capture U.S. attention days before the elections in the country and to respond to condemnation over reports of North Korean troop deployments in Russia to support its war against Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the launch as 'an appropriate military action' to demonstrate North Korea's determination to respond to moves by its enemies that threaten its security and emphasized the importance of its country's nuclear capability. It is speculated that North Korea may be seeking help from Russia to refine its missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons in exchange for sending troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine.
There are fears that North Korea may be developing a new, larger intercontinental ballistic missile than those it already possesses, and that it has completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test. The test raised international concern due to the escalation that North Korea's potential participation in the war in Ukraine would represent. Experts point out that the launch was likely related to efforts to determine whether a missile can carry a larger warhead.
The spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council termed the launch 'a flagrant violation' of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and an action that unnecessarily increases tensions in the region. The United States and South Korea have stated that they have no intention of attacking North Korea, although the country has indicated that it considers it necessary to strengthen its nuclear force in light of the expansion of military training by its neighbors.
