“I think [Putin] is less concerned about the reactions in Seoul, Tokyo, or Washington and more concerned about the reaction in Beijing, which I don’t think would like to see the North Koreans enhance particularly their ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program,” Mr Sullivan said.

However, analysts say Moscow is unlikely to share sensitive technology with Pyongyang.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with Sergei Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, on Friday, and said that Pyongyang will stand by Russia until its “victory” in Ukraine.

The UN Security Council is expected to meet on Nov 4 to discuss Pyongyang’s latest missile launch.