Russia launched one of its deadliest strikes on Ukraine's Sumy city which is located just 25 kilometers away from Russian border. The Russian attacks on Ukraine's eastern front is a part of North Korea's elaborate plan to help Moscow in its war.

North Korea dispatched long-range artillery to Russia: Report

How is North Korea supplying arms to Russia?

In a show of force against North Korea Washington is conducting joint nuclear drills with South Korea. US flew long range B-1B bombers in a show of force against North Korea the exercise comes days after the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to resist a US-led push to eliminate the North's nuclear programme.

US flies long-range bombers in drill with South Korea as North marks key anniversary

The North Korea&rsquo;s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
UNESCO&rsquo;s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO&rsquo;s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of &ldquo;international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.&rdquo;
According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-building-its-largest-most-advanced-warship-ever-reveal-satellite-photos-8961040">North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos</a>
UNESCO officials also highlighted the &ldquo;millennium eruption&rdquo; witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history.
Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
<h2>Significance of Mount Paektu</h2>
Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-students-dance-to-chart-topping-song-praising-kim-jong-un-8921036">North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate</a>
The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country&rsquo;s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here.
The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the &ldquo;Mount Baekdu Bloodline&rdquo;. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem
<h2>Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu</h2>
The country&rsquo;s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-north-korean-warship-to-carry-dozens-of-missiles-heres-all-we-know-so-far-8916925">'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out</a>
Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula.
Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1404_APPEAR_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1404_APPEAR_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=157&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?" id="PL_iframe_block-m9h8f3lz-3wx2kwvm-cp5c8gbi"></iframe>
Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK&rsquo;s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
(With inputs from agencies)

UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. World.

The North Korea’s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark. UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO’s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of “international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms. Also read | North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos UNESCO officials also highlighted the “millennium eruption” witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history. Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of Mount Paektu Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born. Also read | North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here. The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the “Mount Baekdu Bloodline”. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu The country’s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain. Also read | '32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula. Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together? Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK’s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Mount Paektu listed as UNESCO Global Geopark. What is its significance?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called Russia’s missile strike on Sumy “barbaric,” urging Western allies to act swiftly. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, killed at least 34 people and injured over 100, including civilians and children. Tensions rise as Zelensky demands increased pressure on Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky appeals for global support after deadly Sumy attack

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever&mdash;most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang.
The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.
&ldquo;The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,&rdquo; reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy&rsquo;s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-ground-for-plea-is-his-ill-health-mehul-choksis-legal-team-to-file-appeal-for-his-release-8959858">'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release</a> Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang&rsquo;s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate&rsquo;s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship&rsquo;s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly.
&ldquo;Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,&rdquo; Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added.
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly&rsquo;s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. &ldquo;Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-belgium-confirms-mehul-choksis-arrest-indian-extradition-request-8960987">Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request</a> &ldquo;If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,&rdquo; he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea&rsquo;s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. &ldquo;Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,&rdquo; Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

World: The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever—most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang. The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes. “The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,” reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | 'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release Kim Jong Un’s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate’s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship’s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly. “Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,” Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added. South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. “Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,” he said. Also Read | Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request “If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,” he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea’s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. “Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,” Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos

The Red Square in Moscow could witness a historic gathering next month. On May 9th, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin may appear together for the first time. Kim is expected to visit Russia in the coming months, fueling speculations that he may join his Chinese and Russian counterparts for the Victory Day parade in Moscow. However, there is no official confirmation on the date or location of Kim's visit. Kim has never made an official trip to Moscow although he traveled to Russia's Far East twice in 2019 and 2023. Watch in for more details!

North Korea leader, Chinese president may attend Moscow event

Putin Launches 15 Strikes On Ukraine's Kharkiv! Trump Ceasefire Plan Fails | Russia-Ukraine War | Russia-Ukraine Explosions were seen over Kyiv late during a Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital. Russia launched 30 drones on Kyiv and the air defence shot down 16 drones, according to Kyiv city military administration. The remaining drones did not reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures, Kyiv city military administration said.

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow launches large-scale drone strikes on Kharkiv

North Korea held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, hosting foreign runners in the reclusive country that has largely closed its borders since the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Korea holds first Pyongyang international marathon after pandemic

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards.
In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faked-birth-records-stole-children-from-mothers-for-overseas-adoption-investigation-finds-baby-exporter-adoption-scandal-scam-8895413">'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds</a>
While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type."
"They&rsquo;re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-24-killed-as-inferno-threatens-unesco-listed-sites-with-unprecedented-damage-8893062">South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with &lsquo;unprecedented damage&rsquo;</a>
Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards."
"I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. World

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards. In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Also read: 'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type." "They’re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added. Also read: South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’ Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards." "I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out

South Korea&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il.
The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il &ldquo;goofy&rdquo; while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s demise and assessed his son&rsquo;s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: &ldquo;[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.&rdquo; The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim&rsquo;s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. &ldquo;After about six months of Kim Jong-il&rsquo;s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,&rdquo; a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. &ldquo;At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.&rdquo; The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to &ldquo;look after&rdquo; his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-start-meeting-candidates-to-replace-internal-intelligence-agency-chief-ronen-bar-8890568" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar</a> Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a &ldquo;sensitive country&rdquo; by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul&rsquo;s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was &ldquo;unfair&rdquo; and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-strikes-gold-again-discovers-record-1000-tonne-deposit-8900095">China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest</a> The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington&rsquo;s sensitive countries list.&nbsp; The rationale for South Korea&rsquo;s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol&rsquo;s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

World: The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung’s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il. The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il “goofy” while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung’s demise and assessed his son’s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: “[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.” The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim’s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. “After about six months of Kim Jong-il’s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,” a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. “At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.” The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained. Also read: Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar Kim Il-sung’s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a “sensitive country” by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul’s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was “unfair” and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. Also read | China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington’s sensitive countries list. The rationale for South Korea’s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

Seoul’s declassified files reveal how world powers doubted North Korea’s Kim Jong-il, US diplomat called him ‘goofy’

Russia and North Korea will soon begin construction of a road bridge over the Tumen river between the two countries, Russia's ambassador to Pyongyang was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA. Watch to know more!

Russia and North Korea to begin construction of Tumen river bridge near border

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of suicide drones with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un supervises test of AI suicide drones

North Korea has conducted a test fire of its latest anti-aircraft missile system in a drill watched by leader Kim Jong Un. The North Korean state media didn’t mention the location of the test. The launch came as South Korea wrapped up a major annual joint military exercise, Freedom Shield, with the United States. Kim praised the anti-aircraft missile system and said that North Korea's army would be equipped with another major defense weapon system with laudable combat performance. Watch in for more details!

North Korea test fires anti-aircraft missile system

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, has agreed to halt attacks against Ukrainian energy targets but has refused the full 30-day ceasefire that Washington has proposed and Kyiv has already accepted.

Trump, Putin agree to work towards 30-day limited ceasefire in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that negotiators are headed to Russia "right now" for talks on a possible ceasefire with Ukraine, after Kyiv agreed to a 30-day truce. Watch to know more!

Trump pushes for Ukraine ceasefire as US seeks Russia’s answer on truce deal

As uncertainty looms over US Aid to Ukraine, European leaders are ramping up military spending, shifting the financial burden of war onto their economies. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: can Europe fill the gap created in funds by US' exit?

As American and South Korean forces commence their massive war games, Pyongyang responds with a show of force that threatens to escalate tensions. South Korea's military says that North Korea has fired multiple ballistic missiles. Watch in for more details!

North Korea fires missiles as south begins drills with US

According to official media, North Korea has launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine" and added it to the fleet that presides over the seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un visits under-construction submarine site

North Korea: Korea Releases Pictures Of The Nuclear Powdered Submarines | WION

Ukraine has scrambled to reset its ties with the United States after President Donald Trump suspended military shipments to Kyiv. This move, in effect, hindered Ukraine's missile offensive by pausing the longstanding US intelligence sharing arrangement. Watch in for more details!

Russia- Ukraine war: US halts Ukraine intel sharing, Ukraine fights blind against Moscow

Two South Korean Air Force fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village during a joint training exercise with US forces on Thursday, officials said, with civilians among 15 people injured.
The Air Force KF-16 jets were participating in joint US-South Korea live-fire training exercises in Pocheon, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with nuclear-armed North Korea, military and government officials said.
The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said.
"The pilot appears to have entered incorrect coordinates during the pre-flight preparation process," an Air Force official told reporters.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-slams-show-of-force-after-us-aircraft-carrier-visits-south-korea-8775998">North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea</a>
One Pocheon resident told Yonhap news agency he was watching television when he heard the bombs explode.
"I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook," said the resident, who gave only his surname Park.
"When I went outside, everything was in chaos," he said.
The two aircraft were meant to fire simultaneously at a target as part of the exercise, the Air Force official said.
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"It is believed that the first pilot entered incorrect coordinates, leading the second aircraft to drop its munitions as well."
A defence ministry official said an investigation was underway.
"We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery," the Air Force said in an earlier statement.
It said it would "take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages".
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South Korea's National Fire Agency said the bombs had "fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise".
That resulted in "casualties and property damage, with many displaced residents", it said.
Fifteen people were injured, including civilians and military personnel, the agency said.
One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to an agency statement.
<h2><hl2>'Simply unimaginable' </hl2></h2>
The mayor of Pocheon demanded that all military exercises cease until preventive measures were made.
"While there have been accidents where bullets bounced off targets and landed elsewhere, it is simply unimaginable that an aircraft would directly fire at civilian homes," said mayor Baek Young-hyeun.
Baek told reporters that "until a thorough and acceptable safety plan is established to the satisfaction of Pocheon residents, all military exercises must be suspended".
"I strongly urge the government to recognise the gravity of this incident and act swiftly in response," Baek said.
The blast was felt at a centre for seniors about a kilometre away.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-yo-jong-slams-show-of-force-after-us-aircraft-carrier-visits-south-korea-8775998">North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea</a>
"A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital," the centre's director, surnamed Yu, told Yonhap.
"Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt but they were so frightened that we sent them all home," Yu said.
The South Korea-US "Freedom Shield" military exercises, one of the allies' largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month.
The two Koreas remain technically at war since their 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The United States stations tens of thousands of soldiers in the South, in part to protect Seoul against Pyongyang.
In 2022, a South Korean Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile accidentally crashed into a military golf course in the South's eastern Gangwon province, after it was fired in response to a North Korean missile launch.
The missile did not explode and no one was injured in that incident.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said.

Two South Korean Air Force fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a village during a joint training exercise with US forces on Thursday, officials said, with civilians among 15 people injured. The Air Force KF-16 jets were participating in joint US-South Korea live-fire training exercises in Pocheon, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with nuclear-armed North Korea, military and government officials said. The two jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs -- four each -- which landed "outside the designated firing range", the Air Force said. "The pilot appears to have entered incorrect coordinates during the pre-flight preparation process," an Air Force official told reporters. Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea One Pocheon resident told Yonhap news agency he was watching television when he heard the bombs explode. "I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook," said the resident, who gave only his surname Park. "When I went outside, everything was in chaos," he said. The two aircraft were meant to fire simultaneously at a target as part of the exercise, the Air Force official said. Also read: South Korea birth rate rose last year, first time in a decade "It is believed that the first pilot entered incorrect coordinates, leading the second aircraft to drop its munitions as well." A defence ministry official said an investigation was underway. "We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery," the Air Force said in an earlier statement. It said it would "take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages". Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea South Korea's National Fire Agency said the bombs had "fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise". That resulted in "casualties and property damage, with many displaced residents", it said. Fifteen people were injured, including civilians and military personnel, the agency said. One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to an agency statement. 'Simply unimaginable' The mayor of Pocheon demanded that all military exercises cease until preventive measures were made. "While there have been accidents where bullets bounced off targets and landed elsewhere, it is simply unimaginable that an aircraft would directly fire at civilian homes," said mayor Baek Young-hyeun. Baek told reporters that "until a thorough and acceptable safety plan is established to the satisfaction of Pocheon residents, all military exercises must be suspended". "I strongly urge the government to recognise the gravity of this incident and act swiftly in response," Baek said. The blast was felt at a centre for seniors about a kilometre away. Also read: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong slams show of force after US aircraft carrier visits South Korea "A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital," the centre's director, surnamed Yu, told Yonhap. "Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt but they were so frightened that we sent them all home," Yu said. The South Korea-US "Freedom Shield" military exercises, one of the allies' largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month. The two Koreas remain technically at war since their 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The United States stations tens of thousands of soldiers in the South, in part to protect Seoul against Pyongyang. In 2022, a South Korean Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile accidentally crashed into a military golf course in the South's eastern Gangwon province, after it was fired in response to a North Korean missile launch. The missile did not explode and no one was injured in that incident. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Korea fighter jets accidentally drop bombs on civilian district, 15 injured

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Kyiv is ready to hold peace talks with Russia, to be brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky offered terms of partial ceasefire with Russia but the about face comes a day after Trump reportedly halted military aid to Kyiv following the clash with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval office last Friday. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelensky Ready For Talks With Russia, US Minerals Deal

North Korea said Friday it had test-fired strategic cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear counter-attack capability, days after it vowed to respond to what it called escalating U.S.-led hostilities since the start of the Trump administration. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea lashes out at US over aircraft carrier visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for building a strong, modern army to cope with any war during a visit to a military academy on Wednesday. Watch this report for more details!

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North Korea: Kim Jong-Un calls for building modern army to brace for war

#GRAVITAS | As per Security Experts, North Korean hackers have pulled off the largest cryptocurrency theft on record, stealing $1.5 billion from the digital asset exchange Bybit. Watch this video to find out more.

North Korean hackers steal $1.5 billion from Bybit in record-breaking crypto heist

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday adopted two resolutions calling for an end to the war while rejecting a US draft that never mentioned Moscow's aggression. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: US Refuses To Blame Putin For War During UN Resolution Voting

On 21 February 2025, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a significant security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 401,347 Ethereum (ETH), valued at over $1.46 billion. The incident is among the largest cryptocurrency exchange thefts to date, raising concerns over the security of digital asset platforms.
<h2 class="p1">How the Attack Occurred</h2>
The breach took place during a routine transfer between Bybit&rsquo;s Ethereum multi-signature cold wallet and its warm wallet. Attackers manipulated the signing interface, displaying the correct address while altering the underlying smart contract logic to gain unauthorised access.
Forensic investigations revealed that the hackers used advanced phishing techniques and social engineering to obtain internal credentials. These were then exploited to bypass security protocols, allowing fraudulent approvals in Bybit&rsquo;s multi-signature authentication process. The method enabled the attackers to transfer assets without triggering immediate security alerts.
Initial assessments suggest that the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking entity from North Korea, may be responsible. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT, alongside security researchers, identified patterns similar to previous Lazarus Group operations, including the January 2025 Phemex exchange hack.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/south-korean-actor-yoo-ah-released-after-drugs-sentence-suspended-8734366">South Korean actor Yoo Ah released after drugs sentence suspended</a>
<h2 class="p1">Lazarus Group: North Korea-Linked Cybercrime Organisation</h2>
The Lazarus Group, also known as Guardians of Peace or Whois Team, is a cybercriminal organisation suspected of operating under the North Korean government. While the exact number of individuals involved remains unknown, the group has been linked to multiple cyberattacks since 2010.
Initially regarded as a criminal group, Lazarus has since been classified as an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) due to the scale, sophistication, and persistence of its operations. Various cybersecurity entities have assigned different names to the group, including Hidden Cobra (a designation by the US Department of Homeland Security for North Korean cyber activities) and ZINC or Diamond Sleet (used by Microsoft). According to North Korean defector Kim Kuk-song, the group is internally known as the 414 Liaison Office in North Korea.
The US Department of Justice has described the Lazarus Group as a tool of the North Korean government used to disrupt global cybersecurity and generate illicit revenue, often in violation of international sanctions. North Korea leverages cyber operations as a cost-effective means of exerting influence, particularly against South Korea.
The Lazarus Group&rsquo;s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009&ndash;2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government. The group was also responsible for cyberattacks in 2011 and 2013, with possible links to a 2007 attack on South Korea.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-hku5-cov-2-understanding-the-new-coronavirus-discovered-in-china-8745644">What is HKU5-CoV-2? Understanding the new coronavirus discovered in China</a>
One of its most high-profile attacks was the 2014 breach of Sony Pictures, which demonstrated the group&rsquo;s increasing technical sophistication.
The group has also been linked to financial cybercrimes, including the theft of $12 million from Banco del Austro in Ecuador and $1 million from Vietnam&rsquo;s Tien Phong Bank in 2015, cyberattacks on banks in Poland and Mexico, the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist, which resulted in the theft of $81 million, the 2017 attack on Taiwan&rsquo;s Far Eastern International Bank, where reports indicated the group stole up to $60 million, though most of the funds were recovered.
<h2 class="p1">Bybit&rsquo;s Crisis Response</h2>
Bybit&rsquo;s response to the breach was immediate, with CEO Ben Zhou addressing the situation within 30 minutes. The company provided regular updates, including a live stream to answer user concerns. Bybit maintained control over communications, delivering structured updates with concrete figures and timelines.
The exchange took responsibility for the security lapse, collaborated with industry experts, and reassured users of its financial stability. This approach helped mitigate panic and stabilise market confidence in the platform.
<h2 class="p1">Future Implications for Bybit and the Crypto Industry</h2>
The Bybit hack highlights the ongoing challenges cryptocurrency exchanges face in securing assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, exchanges will need to implement stronger security measures, enhance fraud detection capabilities, and work closely with regulators to maintain user trust and operational resilience.

The Lazarus Group’s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009–2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government.

On 21 February 2025, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a significant security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 401,347 Ethereum (ETH), valued at over $1.46 billion. The incident is among the largest cryptocurrency exchange thefts to date, raising concerns over the security of digital asset platforms. How the Attack Occurred The breach took place during a routine transfer between Bybit’s Ethereum multi-signature cold wallet and its warm wallet. Attackers manipulated the signing interface, displaying the correct address while altering the underlying smart contract logic to gain unauthorised access. Forensic investigations revealed that the hackers used advanced phishing techniques and social engineering to obtain internal credentials. These were then exploited to bypass security protocols, allowing fraudulent approvals in Bybit’s multi-signature authentication process. The method enabled the attackers to transfer assets without triggering immediate security alerts. Initial assessments suggest that the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking entity from North Korea, may be responsible. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT, alongside security researchers, identified patterns similar to previous Lazarus Group operations, including the January 2025 Phemex exchange hack. Also read: South Korean actor Yoo Ah released after drugs sentence suspended Lazarus Group: North Korea-Linked Cybercrime Organisation The Lazarus Group, also known as Guardians of Peace or Whois Team, is a cybercriminal organisation suspected of operating under the North Korean government. While the exact number of individuals involved remains unknown, the group has been linked to multiple cyberattacks since 2010. Initially regarded as a criminal group, Lazarus has since been classified as an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) due to the scale, sophistication, and persistence of its operations. Various cybersecurity entities have assigned different names to the group, including Hidden Cobra (a designation by the US Department of Homeland Security for North Korean cyber activities) and ZINC or Diamond Sleet (used by Microsoft). According to North Korean defector Kim Kuk-song, the group is internally known as the 414 Liaison Office in North Korea. The US Department of Justice has described the Lazarus Group as a tool of the North Korean government used to disrupt global cybersecurity and generate illicit revenue, often in violation of international sanctions. North Korea leverages cyber operations as a cost-effective means of exerting influence, particularly against South Korea. The Lazarus Group’s earliest known operation, Operation Troy (2009–2012), involved a cyber-espionage campaign using Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting the South Korean government. The group was also responsible for cyberattacks in 2011 and 2013, with possible links to a 2007 attack on South Korea. Also read: What is HKU5-CoV-2? Understanding the new coronavirus discovered in China One of its most high-profile attacks was the 2014 breach of Sony Pictures, which demonstrated the group’s increasing technical sophistication. The group has also been linked to financial cybercrimes, including the theft of $12 million from Banco del Austro in Ecuador and $1 million from Vietnam’s Tien Phong Bank in 2015, cyberattacks on banks in Poland and Mexico, the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist, which resulted in the theft of $81 million, the 2017 attack on Taiwan’s Far Eastern International Bank, where reports indicated the group stole up to $60 million, though most of the funds were recovered. Bybit’s Crisis Response Bybit’s response to the breach was immediate, with CEO Ben Zhou addressing the situation within 30 minutes. The company provided regular updates, including a live stream to answer user concerns. Bybit maintained control over communications, delivering structured updates with concrete figures and timelines. The exchange took responsibility for the security lapse, collaborated with industry experts, and reassured users of its financial stability. This approach helped mitigate panic and stabilise market confidence in the platform. Future Implications for Bybit and the Crypto Industry The Bybit hack highlights the ongoing challenges cryptocurrency exchanges face in securing assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, exchanges will need to implement stronger security measures, enhance fraud detection capabilities, and work closely with regulators to maintain user trust and operational resilience.

Who are Lazarus hackers? All about the mystery gang behind the largest crypto heist ever

South Korea and the United States have conducted a joint air drill with a B1B strategic bomber, demonstrating deterrence against North Korea's potential nuclear threats. Watch in for more details!

South Korea military air drills with the US to deter North Korean military threats

High-stakes US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine reportedly not invited. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others head to Gulf state for key discussions. Reports claim Saudi will be doing more than just hosting and will be involved in a mediation role. Trump has tasked his senior team to initiate discussions to curb further escalation of the conflict. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe Scrambles As US, Moscow Prepare For Peace Talks Without Kyiv

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