While North Korea’s leader Kim visits Russia, his military has fired ballistic missiles again. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased significantly since last year.
North Korea has apparently fired short-range ballistic missiles again. South Korea’s military said it had detected the launch of two missiles in the area around the North Korean capital Pyongyang.
They each flew about 650 kilometers east and fell into the open sea. South Korea’s general staff accused the neighboring country of renewed provocation and said the armed forces had increased their vigilance.
Last missile tests at the end of August
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased significantly since last year. North Korea is increasing the scope of its missile tests – the country most recently fired two short-range missiles at the end of August. The USA and its ally South Korea have agreed to strengthen their military cooperation.
The United Nations prohibits North Korea from launching ballistic missiles, even if these are only for test purposes. Depending on the design, such rockets can be equipped with a nuclear warhead.
Kim meets Putin in Russia
The new rocket launches came during a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia, where he is meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Space Center. He promised Kim support in building satellites.
Kim shows great interest in Russian missile technology, Putin said. The talks are also likely to include military topics. A central topic of the discussions will probably be North Korean arms deliveries to Russia for its war in Ukraine.