Key facts
- North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday.
- This is the second consecutive missile launch that North Korea has not officially announced.
- The missile flew over 700 kilometers.
- The launches precede upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military drills.
- There are suggestions that North Korea's missile activities are linked to weapons exports to Russia for the Ukraine war.
North Korea has broken its usual practice by not announcing a ballistic missile launch that occurred on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive time the country has remained silent on such an event. The missile, detected by South Korea's military, traveled over 700 kilometers from the eastern coastal city of Wonsan. This silence follows reports suggesting a potential link between North Korea's missile activities and upgraded weapons exports to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. The launches also precede the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, which Pyongyang has consistently denounced. Previously, North Korea has omitted announcements for launches considered minor or lacking propaganda value.