Analysts are concerned about North Korea and Russia’s recent close relationship. At the same time, they also believe that North Korea’s latest tests may be linked to North Korea’s alleged illegal supply of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine
North Korea has fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast. The country has conducted the second such test in a week.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the missiles were launched from Kaechon, north of the capital Pyongyang, on Wednesday morning (Sept 18) and traveled about 400 kilometers northeast. However, there is no word on where the missiles landed.
The JCS said, “North Korea’s missile launch is a provocative act that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we strongly condemn it.”
Japan also confirmed the missile launch, saying North Korea had fired at least two ballistic missiles.
The test came days after North Korea’s foreign minister met with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Moscow.
Analysts are concerned about North Korea and Russia’s recent close relationship. At the same time, they also believe that North Korea’s latest tests may be linked to North Korea’s alleged illegal supply of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. However, Pyongyang has denied sending weapons to Moscow.