North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time in nearly a year on Thursday, potentially proving a new improvement in its ability to deliver long-range nuclear strikes on the US mainland. The timing of the launch, just days before the US elections, looked to be meant to draw American attention and respond to criticism of North Korea's rumoured troop dispatch to Russia to aid in its battle with Ukraine. Some researchers believe Russia may have helped North Korea with technical assistance for the missile test, reported the Associated Press. 

According to the AP report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saw the launch and described it as "an appropriate military response" to what he claimed were enemy acts threatening North Korea's security, according to state media. He denounced "various dangerous military actions" by adversaries and underlined North Korea's commitment to expanding its nuclear capabilities.