Ukraine strongly criticizes North Korea for ballistic missile launches
North Korea's flag (Getty Images)
Ukraine has strongly condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launches, calling them a threat to peace and stability in the region, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Another provocation by Pyongyang is a direct threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the whole world. North Korea continues its blatant course of destabilization, a component of which is also the provision of military aid to the aggressor state Russia in violation of international sanctions regimes," the statement says.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that North Korea's actions violate international law and pose a serious risk of escalation.
Ukraine calls on the world community to ensure strong sanctions pressure on North Korea in order to prevent further development of its missile programs and to achieve renunciation of aggressive actions.
The ministry also announced that during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Ukraine will appeal to the world community to strengthen the policy of deterrence and containment of DPRK in order to counter its destructive actions in Asia and Europe.
Backstory
Earlier today, September 12, it was reported that North Korea launched ballistic missiles. Pyongyang has not provided any details on the matter.
According to the Associated Press, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea. The missiles were launched from the capital, Pyongyang, traveled 360 kilometers, and landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
This marked North Korea's first missile launch in over two months. In response, Japan has strengthened defenses for its ships and aircraft.
