S. Korea, U.S. Conduct First Joint Drill Involving F-35A Fighters

South Korea and the U.S. have conducted their first joint military exercise using F-35A stealth fighters in a show of force to deter North Korea from ramping up military threats.

• The drill kicked off on Monday as allies seek to prevent Pyongyang from conducting its seventh nuclear test or other provocations. Speculation has been rife over the past few months that North Korea was making preparations for a nuclear drill, following a barrage of missile tests this year.
• North Korean state media reported today that the nation has formally recognised Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics as independent states. The move prompted Ukraine to cut diplomatic ties with Pyongyang and will do no good to North Korea's already tense relations with the West.