Putin Thanks Pyongyang: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui for Pyongyang’s military support in the Ukraine war, praising “heroic deeds” and hinting at deeper long-term ties as analysts watch for possible preparations for a Kim Jong Un visit to Russia. Diplomatic Signal: Choe’s Moscow trip—arriving at Lavrov’s invitation and without a clear public occasion—has Seoul closely monitoring talks, with Russia reiterating gratitude and Pyongyang reaffirming commitment under the 2024 strategic partnership treaty. Cyber Threat to Business: North Korea-linked hackers are using OTTERCOOKIE-style malware hidden inside harmless-looking SVG flag images to trick software developers via fake coding tests, with the payload activating when the project is run—raising risks for firms that rely on contractor and developer workflows. Trade & Inflation Watch: North Korea’s tungsten exports to China surged in value in early 2026, driven mostly by higher prices tied to China’s tighter export controls, but the windfall is not enough to offset a weakening currency and rising inflation. Military Posture: North Korea denounced the US-led Rim of the Pacific drills and warned of “proportional countermeasures,” underscoring how security moves can spill into regional business and logistics planning.