North Korea Escalates with Long-Range Missile Test and Troops Deployed to Russia

In a bold move just days before the U.S. presidential election, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching American soil. This aggressive display of military strength signals a new height in the threat posed by Kim Jong Un’s regime, especially as North Korea escalates its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war by deploying thousands of troops to support Russia.

The missile test, North Korea's first ICBM launch in nearly a year, was officially framed as a “military counteraction” by Kim Jong Un himself. In a statement broadcast by North Korean state media, Kim asserted that the test was a direct response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. The launch, which reached an unprecedented altitude of 4,350 miles and flew for 86 minutes, landed in the Sea of Japan, triggering alarms across the region as U.S., Japanese, and South Korean officials swiftly condemned the act as a dangerous escalation.

Key facts surrounding this latest missile test underscore the heightened risk of North Korea's advancing military technology:

• The missile’s 86-minute flight time marked a record, as did its altitude, reaching a height far surpassing previous North Korean missile tests.

• This follows North Korea's previous ICBM test of a Hwasong-18 missile last December, and a September test of a Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missile.

• Japan’s Defense Ministry described the missile as the most advanced long-range weapon North Korea has tested to date, significantly increasing the potential threat to nations across the globe.

Beyond the missile test, North Korea has now placed itself directly into the Russia-Ukraine conflict by sending a staggering 12,000 troops to aid Moscow, according to U.S. and South Korean sources. With North Korean soldiers reportedly wearing Russian uniforms and using Russian equipment, the situation brings Pyongyang's support for Russia to an undeniable level. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed on Wednesday that these North Korean forces are now advancing towards Ukraine, further intensifying the alliance between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby took a firm stance on this development, labeling the North Korean troops as “fair game” if they engage in combat against Ukraine. Kirby emphasized that Ukraine would treat North Korean soldiers just as they do Russian forces, stating, “There could be dead and wounded North Korean soldiers fighting against Ukraine.”

This unfolding alliance between North Korea and Russia presents a twofold threat: an emboldened North Korea armed with long-range missiles that can reach American shores, and the possibility of North Korean soldiers actively participating in Europe’s largest war since World War II. The convergence of these two developments highlights not only the potential risks to American and allied security but also raises significant questions about how the current administration will respond to a growing threat that spans continents and conflicts.

With stakes climbing each day, this is a moment for the U.S. to recognize and confront the increasingly united forces of authoritarian regimes. A strong, decisive response is imperative to safeguard not only American interests but also global stability.

Take a moment to share this article with friends, or consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed on these critical security developments.