The EU condemned North Korea’s latest satellite launch as a “flagrant violation” of U.N. sanctions on Thursday, while expressing “deep concern” about military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.

The statement, issued on behalf of the EU’s 27 states, came after North Korea successfully placed a military spy satellite in orbit for the first time on Tuesday, following failed attempts in May and August this year.

“This represents a clear threat to international peace and security and constitutes a flagrant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit such launches,” Thursday’s statement read. “The DPRK must cease all illegal