Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Russia Defends North Korea Missile Test Amid Nuclear Testing Speculation
North Korea, a country known for testing rockets, reportedly fired a missile.
Russia, a friend of North Korea, said it's okay for them to test things to stay safe.
This happened around the same time that the leaders of Russia and the United States were talking about nuclear weapons.
The US President said America should start testing nuclear weapons again because he thinks other countries are doing it secretly.
The Russian President said if the US tests, Russia might test too.
Only North Korea has done a big nuclear test recently in 2017.
Russia has done small tests, but not big explosions.
So, while everyone is worried about nuclear weapons, North Korea tested a missile, and Russia is supporting them, while the US is planning its own tests.
Russia defended North Korea's reported ballistic missile test, calling it a 'legitimate right' for security.
The missile, launched from north of Pyongyang, traveled approximately 700 kilometers.
US President Donald Trump stated America will resume nuclear weapons testing, alleging other nations are doing so secretly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that Russia might also resume nuclear tests in response to US actions.
North Korea was the only country to conduct a nuclear test in the 21st century (in 2017), while Russia has conducted low-yield tests.
- Who
- North Korea (conducted missile test); Russia (defended test, hinted at own nuclear testing); US (condemned test, plans to restart nuclear testing); South Korea (detected missile, building nuclear-powered submarine)
- What
- North Korea conducted a suspected ballistic missile test, prompting Russia to defend its actions and hint at resuming its own nuclear tests if the US proceeds with theirs. The US condemned North Korea's test and plans to resume its own nuclear testing.
- When
- Friday (November 7), with the missile launch occurring at 12:35 pm (03:35 GMT). Putin's hint about nuclear testing was made on Wednesday (November 5). Trump's statement about other nations testing nuclear weapons was made on Sunday (November 2).
- Where
- North Korea (missile launch from area north of Pyongyang); Russia (hinted at nuclear testing in Moscow); US (plans to restart nuclear testing); South Korea (detected missile)
- Why
- Russia defends North Korea's actions as a legitimate right to ensure security. Putin's hint about nuclear testing is in response to US President Trump's statement that the US will restart its nuclear tests, citing alleged secret tests by other nations.
Russia's Stance
US Stance
North Korea's Missile Test
Russia's Stance
Russia stated that North Korea has the 'legitimate right' to ensure its security and take measures for it, defending the reported ballistic missile test.
US Stance
The US called North Korea's action 'absolutely unforgivable'.
Nuclear Testing
Russia's Stance
Russia's President Putin hinted that Moscow could resume its nuclear tests if the United States does the same, and instructed officials to gather information on the matter. Putin stated Russia's nuclear deterrent forces are at the highest level of modernity.
US Stance
US President Trump asserted that America will restart its nuclear tests, alleging that China, Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan are conducting secret underground nuclear tests.
- North Korea Missile Launch Time
- 12:35 pm (03:35 GMT)
- Missile Range
- Around 700 kilometers (435 miles)
- North Korea Missile Launch Location
- Area north of Pyongyang
- Last Nuclear Test (North Korea)
- 2017
- Recent Russian Nuclear Tests
- Low-yield scale, not full-fledged explosions
- US President's Statement on Testing
- America will restart nuclear tests; alleges secret tests by Pakistan, North Korea, China, and Russia.
- Russia's Response to US Testing
- Hints at resuming nuclear tests if US does.
Sources
North Korea fires ballistic missile, South Korea and Japan say
South Korea Says North Korea Fired 1 Ballistic Missile Toward its Eastern Waters
North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast
North Korea launches ballistic missile hours after Trump says he’s ready to meet Kim again
‘Legitimate right’: Russia defends North Korea's ‘ballistic missile test’ amid nuke drama over Trump's remark. Details inside
Russia urges Trump administration to clarify ‘contradictory’ signals on nuclear testing
