North Korea's Spy Satellite Program Receives Technical Assistance from Russia, South Korea Warns

Amid escalating tensions, South Korean intelligence has issued a warning regarding North Korea's spy satellite program.

The Russian Defense Ministry has reportedly been assisting North Korea in the construction and launch of its latest spy satellite.

The South Korean Unification Ministry has raised concerns about the suspected collaboration, stating that North Korea is likely to move forward with the launch in the coming months.

South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho commented, 'It is hard to predict when North Korea will make the third attempt for the launch. But there seem to be signs of the North receiving technical assistance from Russia.'

Kim added that once North Korea overcomes its technical problems, there is a high possibility of provocations.

Previous attempts by North Korea to launch satellites in May and August ended in failure due to technical issues.

The close relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin has led to strengthened diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Collaboration on military technology and expanded trade have been part of their efforts to strengthen regional power alongside China.

In response to international criticism, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui stated that North Korea's adversaries have vital interests in illegalizing their relations with Russia.

Last month, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan condemned North Korea's alleged supply of munitions and military equipment to Russia, citing increased human toll in Russia's war in Ukraine.

Any weapons trade with North Korea would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, which Russia, as a permanent member, has endorsed.

Both Russia and North Korea have disputed the allegations.

This development raises concerns about the destabilizing consequences of North Korea's expanding capabilities in the space and military domains.