Overview

• 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.