North Korea–Russia Missile Cooperation: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia received its first KN-30 (Hwasong-11C) missiles from North Korea, with six launchers deployed in Voronezh Oblast that could strike deep into multiple Ukrainian regions, while reporting also points to a broader transfer of roughly 50 ballistic missiles and North Korean personnel supporting Russian missile units. US–South Korea Drill Cut Short: The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise ended six days early after Trump ordered it “substantially” reduced, cutting live drills and field training; Seoul warned the rollback could weaken deterrence, while Pyongyang framed it as insufficient and kept up missile activity. Pyongyang Rejects Trump’s Outreach: After Trump floated a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un later this year, North Korea responded coolly—Kim Yo-jong said she was “unaware” of any talks—then fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea, dismissing the drill reduction as “unworthy of comment.” South Korea Calls for Cooler Language: Seoul urged North Korea to halt “derogatory remarks” toward its government and president, linking the rhetoric to trust-building ahead of any potential dialogue. Diplomacy Through Seoul’s Lens: South Korea’s unification officials said renewed US–North Korea talks could open the door to broader four-party peace efforts, with Seoul pushing to be a direct stakeholder.