North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States of stoking tensions and provocations. He stated that the Korean Peninsula faces its highest risk of nuclear war, according to KCNA on Friday.
These remarks follow growing concern over North Korea’s closer military ties with Moscow. Reports claim that North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops to Russia to support its efforts in Ukraine.
Kim, speaking at a military exhibition in Pyongyang, emphasised that past talks with Washington have revealed its “aggressive and hostile” stance. “The confrontation on the Korean Peninsula has never been more dangerous,” he said. “It could escalate into a catastrophic thermonuclear conflict.”
Kim also stated, “We have reached the limits of negotiations with the United States,” highlighting the unchanging nature of Washington’s policy towards North Korea.
Trump’s diplomacy and the nuclear stalemate
North Korean media has not yet commented on Donald Trump’s re-election. During his first term, Trump held three unprecedented meetings with Kim. However, these talks did not lead to concrete results. The US demanded North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons, while Kim sought sanctions relief.
Trump has often praised his relationship with Kim. He said last month that without their diplomacy, the world could have faced a nuclear war. His personal efforts, he claims, prevented millions of deaths.
Hong Min, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, suggests Kim may be emphasising North Korea’s nuclear capabilities in light of Trump’s possible second term. Hong believes Kim might want Trump to show willingness to “co-exist” before resuming talks and reconsidering his stance.
North Korea’s military modernisation and support to Russia
Kim also called for the development and modernisation of North Korea’s weaponry. He committed to further strengthening the nation’s defensive capabilities. The Defence Development Exhibition showcased various strategic and tactical weapons.
KCNA images displayed the Hwasong-19 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Chollima-1 rocket from a successful satellite launch in November 2023, and the Saetbyol-9 multi-purpose attack drone. The drone resembles the US-made Reaper.
Hong Min noted that some of the displayed weapons are either needed by or have already been sent to Russia for its seized territories in Ukraine. These include 240mm multiple rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, anti-tank systems, and drones.
South Korea’s lawmakers reported that North Korea has sent additional arms to Russia, citing a briefing by the national intelligence agency. Last year, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Kim during a defence fair where North Korea showcased its weapons.
Kim recently urged the North’s military to enhance its war-fighting capabilities. He blamed the United States and its allies for pushing tensions to “the worst phase in history.” He called the Korean Peninsula “the world’s biggest hotspot.”
