Russia Probes North Korean Missile Crash in Its Waters, Raising Concerns

Russia is investigating whether a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile crashed in its waters during a test launch. While the country's defense ministry is still gathering information, there is currently no clear evidence that the missile fell within Russia's economic zone. The Hwasong-18 missile, which is the core of North Korea's nuclear strike force, was launched as a "strong practical warning" to the United States and its allies. The test has been condemned by the US, South Korea, and Japan, but Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko attributed it to provocative actions by Washington and its allies. Russia and China, both veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council, have called for easing sanctions on North Korea, while the UN Assistant Secretary-General reported that the missile flight lasted about 74 minutes and crashed into the sea within Russia's exclusive economic zone but close to Japanese waters.