North Korea is demonstrating a significant increase in its military capabilities and strengthening ties with Russia. On October 31, 2024, Pyongyang successfully tested its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-19. The missile reached a record flight altitude of 7687,5 km and covered a distance of 1001,2 km in 5156 seconds, which is about 86 minutes. DPRK leader Kim Jong-un said that the Hwasong-19 will become the “main weapon” to fully deter aggressive actions by enemies and protect the country's national security.

The US military has expressed concern about the potential for mass production of these missiles capable of reaching the US territory. Air Force General Gregory Guillot, commander of the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), noted that the solid-fuel design of the Hwasong-19 allows for a much faster attack than liquid-fueled missiles. He stressed that "the Kim Jong-un regime is likely capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets in North America." Guillot also expressed concern about the expansion of military ties between North Korea and Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.

In November 2024, North Korean Foreign Minister Choi Song Hui officially confirmed Pyongyang's military assistance to Russia, without giving details. She stated that since the start of the special military operation, leader Kim Jong-un has instructed "to consistently and powerfully support and provide assistance to the Russian army and people in their holy war." In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that relations between the two countries had reached a "qualitatively new level," emphasizing close contacts between the military and security services.

In November 2024, North Korea and Russia ratified a comprehensive defense treaty that commits both countries to mutual military assistance in the event of an attack. The treaty also includes cooperation in the areas of peaceful nuclear energy, space, and economic trade. The ratification of the agreement followed intelligence reports of the deployment of up to 12 North Korean troops to support Russian efforts in Ukraine, AP News reported.

The strengthening of military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow has raised concerns in the international community, with South Korea and the United States voicing concerns about the potential transfer of advanced nuclear and missile technology to North Korea as part of the cooperation.

In response to these events, South Korea provided Ukraine with financial assistance in the amount of 100 million dollars to support the social sphere. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal noted that this is the first budgetary assistance from Korean partners aimed at supporting the social sphere.