DPRK ballistic missiles direct result of US hostile policy: Russia

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The Russian Ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Aleksandr Matsegora, said that while Pyongyang has developed an "almost complete set of ballistic and cruise missiles," the country does not have the intention of targeting the US, Japan, or South Korea.

"One should admit that the North Korean military-industrial complex has achieved impressive results in the last 10 years," adding that "it has developed an almost complete set of ballistic and cruise missiles and conducted dozens of test launches," the ambassador said.
 
Matsegora explained that the DPRK's successful advancement of new ballistic missiles and the most recent tests, all of which proved successful, came as a direct result of Washington's continued hostile policy toward the nation.

On a similar note, the diplomat said, Pyongyang would have no reason to develop and implement extensive nuclear missile programs had there been no "aggression, increasing military, political and economic pressure, attempts to interfere in domestic affairs, and direct threats to eliminate the socio-political system there."

Matsegora emphasized that "North Koreans, of course, are not planning to attack the US, Japan or South Korea, neither invade these countries nor change their political order."
 
Regarding a question about Russia's Far Eastern reasons, Matsegora pointed out that the DPRK's test missile launches posed no security threat to Russia, stressing that "the Korean side has repeatedly stated that it strictly follows this principle. We have no reason not to trust it."

Read more: North Korea says it will not overlook 'dangerous' US, S.Korea drills

Last year, the DPRK declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year after Washington and Seoul ramped up security cooperation between them, staging provocative joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and high-profile US strategic assets.

In response, the DPRK said it views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and described them as "frantic" drills "simulating an all-out war against" Pyongyang.