North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Into Sea of Japan as U.S. Calls the Test Destabilizing

Overview

• South Korea’s military confirmed a ballistic launch toward the Sea of Japan, with the missile traveling about 700 kilometers before splashing down and assessed as likely short-range.
• U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the launch posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory and reported it is consulting closely with allies and partners.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia respects North Korea’s right to take necessary measures for its defense.
• Peskov also said Russia welcomes only those steps to normalize the Korean Peninsula that fully align with the interests of the DPRK.
• News agencies reported this was North Korea’s seventh missile launch of 2025 and the second since South Korea’s new administration took office, with the previous launch 16 days earlier; Yonhap suggested it may be a response to U.S. sanctions.