North Korea has conducted its second ballistic missile test in less than a week, launching multiple short-range missiles early Wednesday from north of Pyongyang toward the eastern seas. These launches come amid escalating tensions with the United States and regional neighbors, and follow a rare publicized visit by Kim Jong Un to a uranium enrichment facility. Both South Korea and Japan have condemned the tests, which threaten regional stability and violate United Nations Security Council sanctions. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reaffirmed its commitment to its allies and called for North Korea to cease its provocative actions. Experts suggest the missile tests may be linked to North Korea's alleged arms supplies to Russia and its intentions to influence future U.S. political dynamics.