After nearly a year, North Korea test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday.

the test, according to the Associated Pressdemonstrated that the communist-led nation may have advanced its potential to launch nuclear attacks on the US

The launch comes days before the US election and is said to have been aimed at responding to criticism of the nation supplying troops to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Some experts also believe that Russia may have provided North Korea with technical assistance.

State-controlled North Korean media reported that the nation’s authoritarian leader, Kim Jong Un, noted the launch and referred to it as “appropriate military action” to ensure North Korea’s security. He also said that the nation will never stop pursuing the development of its nuclear capabilities.