**North Korea Ramps Up Nuclear Program Amid Rising Global Tensions**

North Korea's plans to accelerate its nuclear weapons program have been reaffirmed by its United Nations envoy in response to perceived threats from hostile nuclear-armed states. This came shortly after Pyongyang conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, its first this year, amid heightened tensions with the West.

During a United Nations Security Council meeting, North Korean Ambassador Kim Song declared that the nuclear buildup was necessary to counteract threats from nations possessing nuclear weapons. Early Tuesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea east of the Korean Peninsula. Japan’s coast guard identified the projectile as likely being a ballistic missile that landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The Security Council convened to discuss the recent ICBM test on Thursday that showcased North Korea’s improving missile capabilities. These developments indicate Pyongyang’s potential to deliver more powerful nuclear warheads to the US mainland. Adding to the complexity, the US and Ukraine warned of nearly 8,000 North Korean soldiers situated in Russia's Kursk region, with potential deployment to Ukraine. Both countries emphasized that these troops would be legitimate targets if they engaged in combat.

"The nuclear threat of the United States against [North Korea] has already reached a critical point in terms of its scale and danger," Kim emphasized, attributing blame to the US for the escalating risk of war. At the meeting, the US accused China and Russia of protecting North Korea from sanctions and scrutiny at the UN, thus emboldening Pyongyang to advance its missile and weapons programs.

Reports have surfaced that North Korea is seeking Russian missile and space technology, speculated to be part of a deal involving North Korean troops in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. However, the specifics of what President Vladimir Putin might have offered North Korea in return remain unclear.

Following the US warnings about North Korean military involvement in Ukraine, Russian President Putin held an unscheduled meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in the Kremlin. This rare interaction, which took place on Russia's National Unity Day, highlighted the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, with Choe delivering warm greetings from Kim Jong-un.

Concurrently, the US and South Korea signed a new memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation on civil nuclear energy, as announced by the US Department of Energy. The agreement aims to bolster export controls on civil nuclear technology, addressing climate change and securing critical supply chains while creating significant economic opportunities.