Russia and North Korea strengthen military cooperation amid rising tensions

North Korea condemns US military drills with South Korea and Japan

North Korea has condemned recent U.S.-South Korea-Japan military drills, warning of immediate action to counter provocations. Pyongyang accused the allies of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, vowing to pre-emptively control risks if necessary.

Kim Jong Un Accuses US of Escalating Tensions, Warns of Nuclear War Risk

Kim Jong Un has accused the U.S. of escalating tensions, warning of a heightened risk of nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. He criticized past U.S. negotiations as hostile and suggested reopening talks if the U.S. changes its approach.

Russia Provides Military Aid to North Korea in Exchange for Troop Support in Ukraine

Russia provided North Korea with missiles and military aid in exchange for deploying 10,900 troops to support its war in Ukraine, some of whom have reportedly engaged in combat, according to South Korean officials.

Biden Eases Missile Restrictions for Ukraine Amid North Korea’s Involvement

President Biden approved Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles deep in Russia after North Korean troops entered the war and Trump’s election win raised fears of reduced U.S. support. The move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense and counter Russian escalations in Kursk and beyond.

North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia’s Kursk, Participate in Ukraine War

North Korean troops, numbering 10,900, have been deployed to Kursk with Russian forces, some already fighting in Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker said. The country has also supplied Russia with additional weapons, including howitzers and rocket launchers.

Zelenskyy Warns North Korean Troops in Russia Could Reach 100,000

Zelenskyy warned North Korean troops in Russia could reach 100,000, with 11,000 already near Ukraine.

8,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk, says US

The U.S. reports 8,000 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk, sparking tensions at the Security Council, while sanctions target nearly 400 entities for evading measures against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

North Korea blows up parts of inter-Korean road on its side of border, Seoul says

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate as North Korea blows up inter-Korean roads and rail lines, prompting South Korea to fire warning shots. This comes after Pyongyang's pledge to fortify its border and accusations of drone incursions.