LONDON — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that a recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch was meant to send a message to “rivals” who have heightened regional tensions.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missile was launched from the Pyongyang area at approximately 7:10 a.m. local time on Thursday and landed in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. They identified the missile as a long-range ballistic missile launched at a high angle and confirmed that Seoul’s military is on high alert while coordinating with American and Japanese forces.

In a statement from the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim described the “test-fire” as “an appropriate military action” aimed at “rivals who have intentionally escalated the regional situation and posed a threat to our republic’s security.” He further asserted that it is a crucial step in developing the country’s strategic attack capabilities, mentioning that he was present at the launch.

Kim emphasized that due to security concerns and increasing threats from adversaries, Pyongyang will remain committed to enhancing its nuclear capabilities.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett condemned the ICBM test, noting that while U.S. regional forces assessed the launch as not posing an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or allies, it did escalate tensions in the area. He labeled the launch as a clear violation of several U.N. Security Council resolutions and stated that the U.S. is closely coordinating with allies to ensure the security of the American homeland and its partners in South Korea and Japan.

The missile launch occurred shortly after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his South Korean counterpart, who warned of a “high chance” that North Korea may engage in missile or nuclear tests to “exaggerate their existence” in the lead-up to and following the U.S. presidential election. This development also coincides with rising tensions surrounding North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to Russia to assist President Vladimir Putin in the war against Ukraine.

Austin remarked that Pyongyang’s actions have consequences and reaffirmed that Ukrainian soldiers have the right to defend themselves using the weapons provided by the U.S. and its allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Kyiv expects around 12,000 North Korean soldiers to be sent to Russia, while South Korean officials estimate that about 10,900 will be deployed by December. The Pentagon has reported that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers have already been sent to Russia for training.

Austin expressed increasing concern that the Kremlin plans to utilize these North Korean troops to support combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, noting that advanced groups are being outfitted with Russian uniforms and equipment.