Amid an ever-tightening spiral of threat and counter-threat on the Korean peninsula, Russia has issued a major warning with its own provocative missile launch.
The launch of the nuclear-capable ICBM took place at the Kura Test Range during war games held in the far-east of Russia.
The missile fired was a Topol-M, capable of travelling at speeds of up to 16,400 miles per hour and to a distance of 6,800 miles.
Shocking footage showed the huge missile slowly pointing upwards before exploding into the sky. Fighter jets then soar along an airfield and into the air.
It came as the Vladimir Putin’s military continues to hold military exercises across the country.
Russia’s defence ministry said: “In accordance with the Armed Forces Training Plan the Russian Federation conducted training on the management of Russia’s Strategic Nuclear Forces.
“To participate in the training, forces and means of the ground, sea and aviation component of the Strategic Nuclear Forces of the Russian Federation were involved.
“From the State Plesetsk cosmodrome, the combat calculation of the Strategic Missile Forces launched the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Topol on the Kura test range.”
Earlier this autumn Russia put European leaders on alert with a huge military exercise held in Belarus.
Thousands of Russian troops marched into Europe for the Zapad Exercises, which some neighbouring countries believed was preparation for an invasion.
Poland warned of a “risk” of an “aggressive scenario” during the week-long drills, which began on September 14.
Polish Deputy Defence Minister Michal Dworczyk had said he was fearful of violent incidents, warning: “Operations on this scale always run this risk.”