North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Amid Rising Regional Tensions

North Korea has officially acknowledged sending troops to Russia to support military operations in the Kursk region against Ukraine, according to state news agency KCNA. This revelation marks the first time Pyongyang has confirmed its military involvement, which is said to be in accordance with a mutual defense treaty. Reports indicate that North Korea deployed over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces in reclaiming territories under Ukrainian control. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the soldiers, referring to them as "heroes" and announcing plans for a monument to honor their contributions. He emphasized the need for national measures to assist the families of fallen troops. Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov commended the North Korean military's "significant assistance" in operations against Ukrainian forces. South Korea's Ministry of Defence criticized the deployment as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Experts suggest this acknowledgment may have been a strategic decision by both North Korea and Russia to capitalize on military successes and bolster their international standing.

In a highly sophisticated cyberattack, North Korea's Lazarus Group reportedly stole $1.5 billion in Ethereum from the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, marking one of the largest heists in history. The incident unfolded swiftly after Bybit CEO Ben Zhou conducted routine transfers on February 21, 2025, only to discover later that the funds had been redirected to numerous digital wallets, according to reports by The New York Times and the FBI. The FBI confirmed that Lazarus executed the operation through a supply chain attack on Safe{Wallet}, the provider for Bybit’s cold wallet—traditionally viewed as secure due to its offline status. Analysts have highlighted the meticulous planning and execution of this attack, showcasing Lazarus's expertise in cybercrime (Hervé Lambert, Panda Security). Following the heist, Bybit customers withdrew around $10 billion in cryptocurrency, causing a 20% drop in Bitcoin’s value, the largest since the collapse of FTX in 2022. This hack exposes the growing threat posed by state-sponsored cybercriminals as cryptocurrencies become increasingly vulnerable.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently oversaw tests of advanced suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence, emphasizing unmanned technology as a crucial aspect of modern military development. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim highlighted the need for unmanned aircraft and AI to be prioritized in the country's weapons modernization efforts. During the inspection, Kim examined upgraded reconnaissance drones capable of detecting various targets and enemy activities both on land and at sea. The tests are seen as part of North Korea's broader initiative to advance its drone capabilities, including the development of kamikaze munitions, amidst increasing military cooperation with Russia. The KCNA report noted Kim's commitment to fostering a long-term national program aimed at excelling in the competition for intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles for military applications. This push occurs as North Korean troops reportedly gain battlefield experience through participation in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, signaling a significant shift in the region's military dynamics.