New tensions around North Korea

While the issue of North Korean soldiers being said to be present on the Ukrainian battlefield has caused much criticism, Pyongyang has just conducted a missile test, leading to new tensions.

"Irreversible" position

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on November 1 that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) successfully test-launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile called Hwasong-19 the day before.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test and said the country had reached an "irreversible" position in developing nuclear weapons delivery vehicles. Kim expressed satisfaction that the successful test would help North Korea "make sure that the development and production of nuclear delivery vehicles of the same type are absolutely irreversible."

North Korea shows off new Hwasong-19 ballistic missile 'world's most powerful'

The important test also helped Pyongyang achieve new achievements in "maintaining the absolute superiority" of its armed forces, according to the article. "The test of the latest strategic weapon system updated the recent records of the DPRK's strategic rocket capabilities and demonstrated the modernity and reliability of the world's strongest strategic deterrent force," KCNA said.

North Korean missile launched on October 31

North Korea describes the new ICBM as a "super-powerful strike means" and the "ultimate" version of its long-range missile series. North Korea said the Hwasong-19 missile flew 1,001.2 km with a ceiling of 7,687.4 km and flew for 5,156 seconds (nearly 86 minutes). This is also the longest flight time of a North Korean-made missile. Photos released by state media showed the missile being launched from an 11-axle transporter. Kim's daughter, known as Ju-ae, also watched the launch.

Regarding this incident, the South Korean military said on November 1 that they detected a missile fired at a high angle at around 7:10 a.m. from the Pyongyang area of ​​North Korea and flew about 1,000 km before falling into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula. They assessed that it was a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and used solid fuel.

In response to the launch, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol demanded strict measures to deal with North Korea's "provocations" and issued a ban on exports to Pyongyang of materials for the production of solid-fuel missiles.

US, South Korean fighter jets hold drills after North Korea launches missile

Japan and the United States have condemned North Korea. On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was closely following developments after North Korea tested an ICBM, stressing that maintaining peace and stability was in the interests of all parties.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia?

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on October 31 that North Korean troops in Kursk province (Russia) will go to the front line against Ukraine in the coming days. According to Reuters, quoting Mr. Blinken, there are about 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, of which up to 8,000 are in the Kursk region.

On the same day, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin accused Russia of currently training North Korean soldiers in artillery, drones and basic infantry operations, indicating that they “fully intend” to use these forces on the battlefield. Mr. Austin also said that Washington would announce a new security assistance package for Kyiv in the coming days.

In an interview with KBS on October 31, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized what he called the "almost zero" reaction of his partners to Russia's deployment of North Korean troops to the conflict in Ukraine.

In addition, the Ukrainian government on October 31 accused North Korea of ​​sending three generals and thousands of soldiers to Russia. In a speech at the United Nations Security Council, the Ukrainian delegation said the three generals were among 500 North Korean officials sent to Russia. Kyiv added that the North Korean soldiers are expected to be divided into five formations, each with 2,000-3,000 soldiers.

US, Ukraine say 8,000 North Korean troops in Kursk, including 3 generals

Ukraine named the three generals as Senior General Kim Yong-bok (commander of North Korea's special forces), Senior General Ri Chang-ho (Deputy Chief of the General Staff), and Major General Sin Kum-cheol (head of North Korea's General Operations Bureau), according to Reuters.

Pyongyang has not responded to the Ukrainian delegation's statements. But at the Security Council meeting on October 31, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia affirmed that military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is in accordance with international law.

Russia expresses concern to Türkiye

In another development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern that Türkiye continues to supply weapons to Ukraine while declaring its desire to play the role of mediator between the parties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition, Mr. Lavrov plans to visit Malta in December to attend a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This is Mr. Lavrov's first visit to a European Union country since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cang-thang-moi-xoay-quanh-trieu-tien-185241101222300323.htm