Amid Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea tests largest intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017

The test would be the first full-capability launch of North Korea's largest missiles since 2017, marking a dramatic end to a self-imposed moratorium on long-range testing.

Seoul: North Korea conducted what is thought to be its largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test ever on Thursday, the South Korean and Japanese militaries said, marking a dramatic end to a self-imposed moratorium on long-range testing.

It would be the first full-capability launch of the nuclear-armed state`s largest missiles since 2017, and represents a major step in the North`s development of weapons that might be able to deliver nuclear warheads anywhere in the United States.

The North`s return to major weapons tests also poses a new national security headache for U.S. President Joe Biden as he responds to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine, and presents a challenge to South Korea`s incoming conservative administration.

"This launch is a brazen violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilising the security situation in the region," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement condemning the launch. "The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilising actions."

North Korea had put its ICBM and nuclear tests on hold since 2017, but has defended the weapons as necessary for self-defence, and said U.S. diplomatic overtures are insincere as long as Washington and its allies maintain "hostile policies" such as sanctions and military drills.