Pompeo Links Recent DPRK Launches to Kim-Putin Summit, Doesn't Specify Details

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has linked the recent North Korean missile launches and rocket launcher tests with the landmark summit between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, according to his interview with the media.

Over the weekend, North Korea said that it had tested tactical guided weapons and multiple rocket launchers. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) also said that Pyongyang had launched several short-range missiles.

"The toughest sanctions in the history of North Korea remain in place. That's probably what's putting some of the pressure on Chairman Kim today. You saw this happen too right after his visit to Russia. Right after he spoke with Vladimir Putin, he made the decision to take these actions", Pompeo told CBS news.

He, however, did not specify how exactly that meeting had influenced North Korea's actions.

READ MORE: S Korea, US Agree to Deal With Missile Launches by Pyongyang 'Prudently' — Seoul

The historic meeting between the Russian president and North Korean head of state was not only their first summit and Kim's first visit to Russia since coming to power in 2011, but also Kim's first overseas trip since his re-election as the chairman of the State Affairs Commission earlier in April.