Energy Deal: North Korea and Russia agreed in Moscow to cooperate on energy and the economy, including a new refinery in the North capable of producing up to 300,000 tons of aircraft fuel and diesel, with Russia supplying fuel and Pyongyang providing it—details reportedly tied to sanctioned workarounds. Security & Trade: North Korea is shifting foreign-currency strategy in 2026, moving from exporting raw forest products to China toward joint ventures that process raw materials domestically into finished goods, alongside more trade through customs rather than informal channels. Sanctions Pressure: Ukraine says about 700 Russian oil-carrying vessels are under sanctions, with many forced to operate mainly via Russia, China, and India—raising the risk of further crackdowns. Cybercrime & Finance: Lazarus Group’s “Operation Dream Job” is back, using fake job offers plus a newly patched Windows zero-day (CVE-2026-68820) to plant backdoors and seize control of defense and aerospace targets; separate reporting also highlights Bybit’s legal push over a $1.5B North Korea-linked crypto theft. Military Signaling: North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the East Sea/Japan EEZ ahead of major US-South Korea drills, while Pyongyang also escalated rhetoric over “unparalleled” retaliatory capability amid claims of deeper military support to Russia. Local Economy Control: Authorities in South Hamgyong are cracking down on private hairdressers and barbers, pushing demand toward state-run services or hidden, limited client work. Regional Context: Kyodo’s digest also notes Japan’s flag-desecration law taking effect, adding to the broader political backdrop around the region.