North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, prompting trilateral consultations between senior diplomats from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The launch came hours after President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Kim Jong Un and a day after Seoul said it was scaling back military drills with the US.
South Korea's defense ministry announced that annual joint military exercises with the United States will be shortened by six days at Washington's request, following President Donald Trump's order to scale back the drills. Trump cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the reason for reducing the exercises.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed pride in his country's deepening relationship with Russia in communications with President Vladimir Putin, as reported by state media on August 16, 2026. The reaffirmation of ties comes amid North Korea's provision of military support for Russia's war efforts and coincides with North Korea's liberation anniversary celebrations.
