Overview

• North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan into the East Sea on May 8, marking its first test since March.
• The missiles, which included KN-23 and KN-25 systems, traveled up to 800 kilometers before landing in the sea.
• South Korea's military suggested the launches could be a performance test for potential arms exports to Russia, given Pyongyang's military ties with Moscow.
• Senior officials from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan denounced the tests as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and pledged continued trilateral coordination.
• The launch comes as North Korea deepens its military cooperation with Russia, reportedly sending troops and weaponry to support Moscow's war in Ukraine.