North Korea has recently claimed successful test-firings of sea-to-surface cruise missiles, marking a significant enhancement of its military capabilities amid heightened tensions during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea. The North Korean state media highlighted that these missiles hit targets after flying over two hours, emphasizing their potential to bolster nuclear deterrence. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff noted their readiness to respond decisively to any provocations, as North Korea continues to distance itself from diplomatic engagements, particularly concerning denuclearization talks with the U.S. This escalation underlines North Korea’s pivot towards military assertiveness and its strategic alignment with Russia, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts in the region.