National security spokesman discusses Russia’s use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine.
North Korea conducted its first missile launch of the year, firing a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea. The launch comes two months after North Korea claimed to have tested engines for a new, harder-to-detect missile capable of reaching distant U.S. targets. The missile, possibly a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, flew approximately 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
Experts suggested that North Korea might try to increase provocative missile tests to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections in South Korea in April and the U.S. presidential election in November. Some have suggested the intermediate testing is intended to reach U.S. military bases in Okinawa, Japan, and Guam.
After Russia fired short-range ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea into Ukraine at the end of 2023 and beginning of the new year, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby stated, “This is a significant and concerning escalation in the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] support for Russia.” He added that both nations are learning from these launches.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for the president and military advisors as they evaluate the middle launches by North Korea.
- For members of Congress to be prudent in their appropriating of aid to Ukraine.
- For U.S. and allied officials as they assess the progress of North Korea’s missile testing.
Sources: Military Times, CNN, NPR
