In the great geopolitical chess game currently being played, the Ukrainian war serves as the initiator of unexpected movements among international actors. Yesterday, we said that Russia was ‘exercising’ with its red button and Ukraine was ‘approaching’ North Korean troops. Pyongyang is the center of attention today.

A long range threat. A few hours ago, North Korea conducted a launch, but not just any. Everything points to this being a record-breaking intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM); It reaches an altitude of more than 7,000 km and flies for 1 hour and 26 minutes; This is seen as a clear show of strength in the face of tensions over accession. of their troops in the Ukrainian war.

Officials from the United States and Japan confirmed the magnitude of this test, stating that the ICBM launched from Pyongyang fell into waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone and did not cause any damage or loss of life.

Missiles. According to the South Korean military, the missile was launched at a steep angle to avoid flying over Japan and crashed into the waters between North Korea and Japan. The truth is that this type of testing is not new for North Korea, which last December launched the Hwasong-18 ICBM in addition to other short-range missiles in September.

South Korean intelligence services suggest that their “neighbors” may conduct longer-range tests, or even another nuclear test, in order to gain diplomatic advantage against possible changes in the US administration.

International reaction and military response. Faced with this launch, the United States and South Korea were apparently quick to react to preparations to deploy “strategic assets” in the region, including potential nuclear capabilities.

Not only this. South Korea appears to have imposed new restrictions on the export of materials critical to the production of solid-fuel missiles in a bid to limit North Korea’s weapons advances. In the background, North Korea’s focus on developing weapons of mass destruction prioritizes this over the well-being of its population, according to the United States National Security Council.

Russian friend and nuclear threat. As we explained these days, the launch takes place in the context of apparently strengthened military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. There are numerous reports indicating that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, and 3,000 of them may be ready to enter conflict zones in Ukraine.

North Korea also appears to have provided ammunition and missiles to Russia as part of the mutual defense agreement established between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. For this reason, US and South Korean officials called on Pyongyang to withdraw its troops from the region and warned about possible losses of North Korean soldiers in the conflict.

Theory. What does North Korea seek with this approach from Russia? That’s probably the biggest question. North Korea has accelerated its weapons development and claimed to have tested advanced technology that could launch multiple nuclear warheads with a single missile following Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. There is a special name here: Hwasong-18 and the development of solid-fuel missiles (easier to move and launch compared to liquid-fuel missiles).

This statement appears to underscore North Korea’s desire to strengthen its nuclear deterrence and weapons development capabilities. Still, North Korea faces technological challenges such as demonstrating the ability to launch an ICBM in a flat trajectory and mastering atmospheric reentry technology, which is vital for its missiles to effectively reach their targets after passing the atmosphere.

Image | Ryan Chan, Vietnam Mobiography

in Xataka | While Russia “practices” launching ballistic missiles, Ukraine has a plan: convince North Korea with a word

in Xataka | North Korea’s military tactic to prevent escape. Pyongyang’s “trick” to maintain the loyalty of its military