Ukraine intelligence confirms Russia enhanced North Korean missiles to deadly accuracy while Pyongyang supplies troops and weapons, raising nuclear concerns.

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country will always stand with Moscow, state media reported on Thursday. In a message for Russia Day,

"This is gravely concerning," said William Alberque, a former director of NATO's Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation Center.

Kim Jong-un seized on Russia’s need for support in its war against Ukraine. His reward is a rapidly modernizing military that threatens the delicate balance of power on the Korean Peninsula.

Russia and North Korea plan to restart a direct passenger train service between Moscow and the North Korean capital Pyongyang this month for the first time since 2020, Russia's state-owned rail monopoly said on Monday.

Should North Korea deploy better short-range air defenses, they could complicate South Korea's strategy to preempt a nuclear attack. But Pantsir's combat record is mixed.

North Korea will "unconditionally" support Russia, including with its operations in Ukraine, leader Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Friday it has repaired its damaged second destroyer and launched it into the water in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un.