"Korean Peninsula Tensions Escalate with Cross-Border Artillery Exchanges and Joint Military Drills"
North and South Korea have both conducted artillery drills along their disputed sea boundary, actions that violate the 2018 inter-Korean agreement aimed at reducing military tensions. North Korea fired over 200 rounds, marking its first maritime firing exercise in a year, while South Korea responded with 400 rounds. These drills have escalated tensions on the peninsula, with both sides threatening strong responses to provocations. The 2018 agreement is at risk of collapsing as both Koreas have taken steps that breach the accord, and experts anticipate North Korea may increase provocations, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Additionally, North Korea is focusing on enhancing its military capabilities, including the production of mobile missile launch vehicles, and is reportedly supplying weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine.