Tensions between North and South Korea

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned South Korea about their live-fire drills near the border and threatened military action if further provoked. South Korea resumed firing exercises despite a previous agreement aimed at easing tensions. North Korea has been engaged in weapons tests and there is skepticism about the validity of their recent missile tests.

North Korea's Support to Russia in Ukraine Conflict

North Korea has shipped around 7,000 containers of munitions to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. Both countries deny an arms deal, but South Korean officials suspect such a deal exists. The North has ramped up weapons tests since the start of 2022, using Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction.