North Korea tests new ballistic missiles, which it is likely to supply to Russia

North Korea has launched short-range ballistic missiles, which, according to the South Korean military, may be prepared for export to Russia.

Here's What We Know

The missiles were launched from Wonsan on the east coast of the DPRK and flew up to 800 km before falling into the sea. South Korea said it was in close communication with the United States and Japan to share information. Lee Sung-jun, spokesman for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not name the number or characteristics of the missiles, but suggested that the purpose of the launches could be to test their stability for further export.

Japan, meanwhile, also recorded the launch of a ballistic missile that flew along an abnormal trajectory.

North Korea's nuclear programme is banned by UN Security Council resolutions, but Pyongyang continues to develop missiles of various ranges. Western intelligence agencies and independent researchers point out that the DPRK is supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for the war against Ukraine.

Despite official denials from Moscow and Pyongyang, the Ukrainian Air Force has repeatedly recorded the use of North Korean KN-23 (KN-23A) missiles by the Russians. One of them hit a residential building in Kyiv on 24 April, killing 10 people.

Source: Reuters