Russia-North Korea Alliance: Kim Jong Un told Vladimir Putin he will “expand and deepen” joint work and pledged “invariable support,” calling Russia’s Ukraine war a “sacred” struggle—another sign Pyongyang’s military ties are tightening as troop deployments are widely expected to grow. Missile & Drone Drills: North Korea staged a coordinated “combined fire strike” drill mixing short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, artillery and attack drones, with KCNA highlighting “new combat systems” and direct-hit claims. Seoul Response to Launches: South Korea said North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast, triggering an emergency security meeting and renewed warnings of a UN resolution violation. Former Defense Official Dies: Yonhap reports former Vice Defense Minister Yun Tong-hyon—linked to nuclear and missile development—has died, with state media citing his role in strengthening the military’s “technological force.” Inter-Korean Medical Prep: South Korea says it is ready to provide medical equipment to a Pyongyang hospital if asked, noting it has secured a UN sanctions exemption. China Labor Pipeline: Daily NK says North Korean worker dispatches to China are rising since July, but now spread across many smaller factory sites rather than mass placements. Sports Soft Power: North Korea opened the Asian Games women’s football campaign with a 10-0 rout of Bangladesh, drawing pro-Pyongyang fans in Osaka.