The Russian government has claimed North Korea is planning to launch a ballistic missile, but does not know when it will take place.
‘We have certain information about the type and characteristics of the missile. However, we do not have accurate data on the timing of its launch,’ a senior Russian military source said.
He said that Russia would be monitoring the launch.
It was unclear whether he was referring to a short or long-range missile.
North Korea has launched a series of short-range missiles since carrying out a nuclear test on 25 May.
US and South Korean officials have said there are signs that the reclusive Communist state may also be preparing to test-fire a long-range missile.
Tensions have been running high since Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket in April, tested a nuclear bomb in May, launched a series of short-range missiles and renounced the truce that ended the Korean War in 1953.
Russia has a short border with North Korea and is part of six-party negotiations aimed at convincing the country's isolated Communist regime to give up its nuclear programme.
