North Korean Ambassador to Russia Kim Hyung-joon has reaffirmed Pyongyang’s stance that it can test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM) at anytime from anywhere its leaders choose.

Kim's remarks came during an interview Wednesday with Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Kim was quoted as saying that Pyongyang has the potential to strike U.S. strategic assets aimed at the North's missiles, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense(THAAD) battery, to ashes.

He claimed that if the North’s sovereignty is deliberately violated, it will fight back, even with nuclear weapons, saying a preemptive attack is not “an American patent.”

Kim also said it doesn't matter who becomes the next U.S. president, arguing it is important rather that Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang. 

On Sunday, a spokesman for the North’s Foreign Ministry warned through state media that the regime will test-launch an ICBM at anytime and anyplace of its top leadership's choosing.

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