North Korea Conducts Cruise Missile Test, Signals Nuclear Readiness

Kim Jong Un oversees missile drills, emphasizing Pyongyang's nuclear deterrence and warning perceived adversaries.

North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles on February 26 over the Yellow Sea, with the missiles flying a 986-mile trajectory and hitting their targets after 130 minutes.
Kim Jong Un declared the tests a demonstration of the country's nuclear counterattack capabilities and called for full readiness to use nuclear weapons if necessary.
The drills were North Korea's fourth missile launch this year and coincided with escalating tensions with the U.S. and South Korea, including upcoming joint military exercises between the two allies.
South Korean intelligence reported increased North Korean military support for Russia, including troops deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine's Kursk region, where heavy casualties have been noted.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's stated intention to resume nuclear negotiations, North Korea has rejected calls for denuclearization and continues to expand its weapons programs.