The United States has blacklisted a network accused of aiding financial payments between Russia and North Korea, two isolated countries that have grown financially and militarily closer amid the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on a network of five groups and one person, based in Russia and the Georgian region of South Ossetia, for enabling payments between Russia and North Korea, the Treasury Department said.

The United States has imposed sanctions against individuals and entities involved in illegal financial transactions between Russia and North Korea, according to the US Department of the Treasury. As noted by the agency,

North Korea test-fired a new ballistic missile carrying a super-large warhead and an improved strategic cruise missile, state media reported Thursday, as leader Kim Jong Un called for increased weapons development.

Kim Jong Un claimed his regime's missile program is a necessary deterrent amid continuing threats from external forces.

Experts say the tests show North Korea will continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence regardless of external pressures.