Russian lawmaker Anton Morozov warned on Friday that Pyongyang was preparing to test-fire a ballistic missile capable of hitting the US West Coast “in the near future.”
Mr Morozov, who was among three Russian members of parliament visiting Pyongyang earlier this month to discuss a peaceful settlement of the crisis on the Korean Peninsula, said: “North Korea are preparing for new test of a longer-range missile.
“They even gave us mathematical calculations that they believe that their missile will be capable of hitting the west coast of the United States.
“As far as we understand, they intend to launch one more long-range missile in the near future. And in general, their mood is rather belligerent.”
A Seoul military official hit back at Mr Morozov’s claims, insisting there is no sign that North Korea’s provocation is impending but there are nonetheless movements.
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The official said: “Some movements have been continuously detected from the North’s missile facilities and bases.
“We are maintaining the heightened reconnaissance and preparedness poster.”
US Forces (USFK) has enhanced surveillance operations with U-2S ultra-high altitude reconnaissance aircraft, as well as surveillance with RC-800 and RF-16 reconnaissance planes, E-737 airborne earl warning control aircraft, and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft.
An Aegis destroyer, equipped with SPY-1D advanced radar, is deployed in the East Sea, and land-based Green Pile missile defence radar is also operating to deter ballistic missiles from North Korea, South Korea’s KBS World Radio reported.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump slapped down the idea of negotiations with Pyongyang, tweeting that diplomatic approaches to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have never worked.
He tweeted: “Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid…
“… hasn’t worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiations. Sorry, But only one thing will work.”
North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test last month and a raft of missile firings in recent months including two intercontinental missile tests in July.
In September, the brutal dictator Kim Jong-un warned to take the “highest level” action against the US in response to Mr Trump’s threat to “totally destroy” the regime is necessary.
Pyongyang’s foreign minister said later it could detonate a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean.