North Korea has once again fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards its east coast, with the missiles flying about 400km (249 miles) before falling into the sea with no reports of damage. This is the second such test in a week, following a similar launch last Thursday. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly condemned the latest missile launch as a clear act of provocation that threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, while Japan confirmed that North Korea had fired at least two ballistic missiles.
Analysts suggest that the recent missile tests could be linked to North Korea’s alleged supply of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, as the two countries have deepened ties in recent months. This follows a meeting between North Korea’s foreign minister and top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Moscow. A report from Conflict Armament Research also indicated that missiles produced in North Korea this year have been used in the conflict in Ukraine.
The missile launch also comes just days after North Korea released the first-ever images of its uranium enrichment facility, further raising concerns about the isolated country’s nuclear capabilities. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and has faced UN sanctions ever since. The United States, South Korea, and Ukraine have accused Pyongyang of supplying rockets and missiles to Moscow, leading to increased tensions in the region.
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