North Korea Poised for Potential Nuclear Test Around U.S. Election

South Korea's defense minister highlights increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, raising global security concerns.

North Korea may conduct a nuclear test near the U.S. presidential election to gain leverage.
South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. are finalizing agreements for standardized missile tracking.
Kim Jong Un's regime has a history of timing provocations with major political events.
North Korea's cooperation with Russia includes arms transfers and mutual defense agreements.
A potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula could have severe global economic impacts.