MOSCOW. May 22 (Interfax) - The latest missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is alarming, as is a possible response from the United States to Pyongyang's actions, playing with fire could end badly, Frants Klintsevich, first deputy head of the Federation Council defense and security committee, said.
"The latest missile launch, whatever the reasons cited by Pyongyang, should doubtless be seen as a factor of justified concern. And although one can already lose count of the number of past launches, every one of such cases is perceived by the world as some kind of an emergency," Klintsevich was quoted by his spokesperson as saying.
What is alarming is not just the launch itself, but also the U.S. reaction to it, the senator said.
"And here, given the complex internal political situation within the U.S. proper, any surprise is possible. To assert himself, Donald Trump right now simply needs some small victories, and it is a real pity that the DPRK does not understand that," Klintsevich said.
Still, the hope is that "everything will work out alright" this time, he said.
"But playing with fire sooner or later might end very badly, as Russia has repeatedly warned both Pyongyang and Washington: there is no alternative to talks," the senator said.