Moscow has hit out at the U.S., expressing concerns about escalating tension in the Korean peninsula, while its war in Ukraine is continuing for nearly 10 months now.

What Happened: Russian President Vladimir Putins deputy foreign minister said Washington was testing the patience of North Korea after Kim Jong Un fired an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S., AFP reported citing state-run RIA Novosti news agency.

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Sergei Ryabkov said the Kremlin is concerned by the situation on the Korean peninsula and has called for the parties involved to move away from confrontation. He added that Moscow prefers a diplomatic approach towards the issues, but its been particularly evident recently that the United States and its allies in the region prefer a different path.

Its as if Pyongyangs patience is being tested, he was cited as saying.

Meanwhile, the White House strongly condemned North Koreas act and reiterated its call for diplomacy.

The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions and instead choose diplomatic engagement. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and Republic of Korea and Japanese allies, Washington said in a statement.

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