“The intention may be to show that she will not give in to pressure, that she will respond to force with force, and also to seek to exert some influence over the US presidential election.”

Kim Dong-yup, an expert at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said that although existing missiles are already capable of targeting potentially anywhere in the United States, the Hwasong-19 is likely intended to carry heavier nuclear warheads.

“North Korea could continue testing to see if, in the final phase of re-entry, the warheads can separate and each move toward individual targets,” he said.

Thursday’s missile test comes as Washington warned that 8,000 North Korean troops were stationed in Russia, on the border with Ukraine, and that Moscow was preparing to deploy those troops into combat “in the coming days.” .

The United States and South Korea have called on China, which has remained largely silent on the announcement of the military deployment, to use its influence over Pyongyang and Moscow to prevent further events. escalation of the war against Ukraine.