North Korea’s Kim Jong Un vows to speed up nuclear arsenal expansion in response to U.S.-South Korea joint military drills. Calling the exercises a provocation, Kim warns of increased tensions as Pyongyang strengthens its deterrence.


North Korea: Kim Jong Un kick-starts nuclear pedal | 'US-S Korea drill has nuclear element'

In a phone call, on August 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the North Korean Troops for their “bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” in helping Russia liberate Krusk from Ukrainian forces. These phone calls come ahead of Putin's scheduled high-security meeting with US President Donald Trump on Friday at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Russian mouthpiece Sputnik refers to these phone calls as prioritising the Global South leaders. Notably, after meeting with the US envoy led by Witkoff, Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with India’s Modi, China’s Xi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa, Brazil’s Lula, and now North Korea's Kim Jong Un, briefing them on Ukraine talks.&nbsp;According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un thanked Putin for the recognition and pledged that the DPRK would “always remain faithful” and “fully support” all measures taken by Russia under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The pact has been a source of grave concern to Washington, Seoul, and NATO allies. The treaty binds the two nations in a military and strategic partnership.&nbsp;“There are a lot of ifs still in the air, but the call suggests there’s a role for Russia, similar to the role South Korea played in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations," said Jenny Town, the Director of the Korea programme at the Stimson Centre, Washington.The call is significant at the precursor of the Alaska Summit, according to Russian media, for the first time, “beyond NATO’s orbit, presidents are meeting multilaterally to talk war and peace”.&nbsp;This is the first time since his reelection as US President Donald Trump is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of Washington's two of the greatest adversaries aligning might not be something Trump was expecting. This does significantly give Putin leverage in diplomatic talks about the ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of the Alaska Summit, holds a crucial phone call with the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to brief him on the latest Ukraine talks and lauded the effort of the North Korean troops in the Krusk Region.

In a phone call, on August 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the North Korean Troops for their “bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” in helping Russia liberate Krusk from Ukrainian forces. These phone calls come ahead of Putin's scheduled high-security meeting with US President Donald Trump on Friday at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Russian mouthpiece Sputnik refers to these phone calls as prioritising the Global South leaders. Notably, after meeting with the US envoy led by Witkoff, Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with India’s Modi, China’s Xi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa, Brazil’s Lula, and now North Korea's Kim Jong Un, briefing them on Ukraine talks. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un thanked Putin for the recognition and pledged that the DPRK would “always remain faithful” and “fully support” all measures taken by Russia under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The pact has been a source of grave concern to Washington, Seoul, and NATO allies. The treaty binds the two nations in a military and strategic partnership. “There are a lot of ifs still in the air, but the call suggests there’s a role for Russia, similar to the role South Korea played in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations," said Jenny Town, the Director of the Korea programme at the Stimson Centre, Washington. The call is significant at the precursor of the Alaska Summit, according to Russian media, for the first time, “beyond NATO’s orbit, presidents are meeting multilaterally to talk war and peace”. This is the first time since his reelection as US President Donald Trump is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of Washington's two of the greatest adversaries aligning might not be something Trump was expecting. This does significantly give Putin leverage in diplomatic talks about the ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of the Alaska Summit, holds a crucial phone call with the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to brief him on the latest Ukraine talks and lauded the effort of the North Korean troops in the Krusk Region.

Putin hails North Korean ‘Heroes’ in Kursk, Kim Jong Un vows unshakable alliance ahead of Russia-US summit

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader, on Sunday (Jul 27), vowed that his nation would achieve victory in "anti-imperialist, anti-US" battles. Kim made this statement as Pyongyang marked the 72nd anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. State media reports suggest that the North Korean leader insisted that "our state and its people would surely achieve the great cause of building a rich country with a strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown".<h2>Kim Jong-un pays respects to Kim II-sung and Chinese People's volunteers</h2>On Saturday, Kim Jong-un visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, where he laid a wreath. There he pledged that North Korea would "never forget the militant feats and merits of the fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers", reported the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).According to a Yonhap news agency report citing Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, "By keeping mentions of its friendly relationship with China to a minimum, North Korea is sending a message that it can maintain its system and sovereignty on its own, and wants to show its diplomatic and military autonomy without provoking China".He also paid his respects by laying a basket of flowers before the statue of North Korea's founder Kim II-sung, he praised the "victory of the outstanding military ideology, Juche-oriented war methods and superb strategy and tactics" of the nation's founder.While he said that the nation and its people would build a country with a "strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown," he did not make any hostile remarks towards the United States or South Korea.<h2>What was the armistice of the Korean War?</h2>Signed on July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice brought an end to the three-year Korean War. U.S. generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea. Since 1996, North Korea has celebrated the day as "Victory Day" and claims that it won the Liberation war against what it called US-led aggression.&nbsp;

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader said that the nation and its people would build a country with a “strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown”.

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader, on Sunday (Jul 27), vowed that his nation would achieve victory in "anti-imperialist, anti-US" battles. Kim made this statement as Pyongyang marked the 72nd anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. State media reports suggest that the North Korean leader insisted that "our state and its people would surely achieve the great cause of building a rich country with a strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown". Kim Jong-un pays respects to Kim II-sung and Chinese People's volunteers On Saturday, Kim Jong-un visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, where he laid a wreath. There he pledged that North Korea would "never forget the militant feats and merits of the fallen fighters of the Chinese People's Volunteers", reported the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). According to a Yonhap news agency report citing Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, "By keeping mentions of its friendly relationship with China to a minimum, North Korea is sending a message that it can maintain its system and sovereignty on its own, and wants to show its diplomatic and military autonomy without provoking China". He also paid his respects by laying a basket of flowers before the statue of North Korea's founder Kim II-sung, he praised the "victory of the outstanding military ideology, Juche-oriented war methods and superb strategy and tactics" of the nation's founder. While he said that the nation and its people would build a country with a "strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown," he did not make any hostile remarks towards the United States or South Korea. What was the armistice of the Korean War? Signed on July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice brought an end to the three-year Korean War. U.S. generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea. Since 1996, North Korea has celebrated the day as "Victory Day" and claims that it won the Liberation war against what it called US-led aggression.

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean supreme leader said that the nation and its people would build a country with a “strong army and become honourable victors in the anti-imperialist, anti-US showdown”.

'Strong army, rich nation': Kim Jong-un marks war anniversary with fresh 'anti-US' message

The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” &nbsp;with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress.&nbsp;"President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively.Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.&nbsp;In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions.<h2>How did North Korea respond?</h2>North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress. "President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively. Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions. How did North Korea respond? North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

Trump open to talks with Kim — but only after ‘FULL DENUCLEARISATION'

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation.&nbsp;According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle".&nbsp;A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials.However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed&nbsp;North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.&nbsp;To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation. According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle". A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials. However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine. Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

North Korea preparing for 'real war'? Kim Jong Un orders armed forces to stay 'combat ready' amid raging Russia-Ukraine war

Ko Yong-hui, mother of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, has a secret past that is shaking the core of the North Korean propaganda machine. A new book published in Japan reveals that Ko Yong-hui was born and raised in Japan, and came from a precarious background, which Kim Jong-Un would have preferred to be left alone in the dark.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Ko Yong-hui ?</h2>The book titled ‘Ko Yong-hui: The Zainichi Korean Who Became Kim Jong-un’s Mother’ was authored by journalist and author Yoji Gomi and was released last month. The book draws from the interviews of the relatives of Ko, who are still based in Japan. Her father, Ko Gyo-taek, was originally from Jeju Island in South Korea. It reveals that the father of Ko Yong-hui was a Zainichi Korean smuggler. He was arrested in South Korea for trying to smuggle Japanese clothing, before fleeing to North Korea to escape legal troubles. North Korea was allegedly building a socialist utopia, which appealed to Ko Gyo-taek, who left with his 10-year-old daughter, Ko Yong-hui, to start fresh.&nbsp;The book does not reveal much about the childhood of Ko Yong-hui; it skips to the part when she had joined the renowned Mansudae Art Troupe in Pyongyang in the early 1970s, where he attracted the attention of Kim Jong-il, who had been married twice already. Ko Yong-hui became his second mistress. She lived in a luxurious villa near Pyongyang after being moved to the coastal city of Wonsan. She bore three kids. Kim Jong-Un was the second-born.<h2>How is it challenging the propaganda narrative of North Korea?</h2>This is detrimental to North Korea’s state ideology, which heavily relies on the disdain and hatred for the Japanese colonial legacy and the supremacy of the Kim bloodline.&nbsp;“North Korea has long propagated the narrative that the Kim family single-handedly achieved independence for the nation,” said Gomi in an interview with This Week in Asia. “However, revealing that the mother of the (North) Korean leader was a zainichi Korean – a group that is subject to discrimination in the North to this day – would undermine the regime’s prestige and legitimacy.”The Kim clan has always promoted the purity of a fabricated genealogy, “Mount Paektu bloodline”, named after the iconic mountain that borders China, and legend has it that it was the site where Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-Un, led rebel fighters to struggle against the Japanese occupation. His son, the father of Kim Jong-Un, Kim Jong-il, was born in a guerrilla hut on the slopes of Mount Paektu. However, many Western historians dispute such claims as propaganda and claim he was born in the Russian refugee camps during World War II.The revelations are believed to have a strong domestic influence. North Korea had quietly produced a documentary about Ko in 2011, ‘Mother of Great Songun Korea’, which is now removed from the archives as foreign media started to trace her background. A defector who became a researcher tells Radio Free Asia, that it is a political liability, "The regime fears even a small crack in the illusion of revolutionary purity.” However, some scholars argue that this could open up conversations about diasporic history and reconciliation, though that seems unlikely under the current regime.&nbsp;

A new book by journalist and author Yoji Gomi reveals the secret past of  Kim Jong-un’s Mother, Ko Yong-hui, who had a Japanese background, and this is intended to shake the propaganda narrative of the North Korean regime, which is based on hatred of the Japanese colonial legacy.

Ko Yong-hui, mother of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, has a secret past that is shaking the core of the North Korean propaganda machine. A new book published in Japan reveals that Ko Yong-hui was born and raised in Japan, and came from a precarious background, which Kim Jong-Un would have preferred to be left alone in the dark. Who is Ko Yong-hui ? The book titled ‘Ko Yong-hui: The Zainichi Korean Who Became Kim Jong-un’s Mother’ was authored by journalist and author Yoji Gomi and was released last month. The book draws from the interviews of the relatives of Ko, who are still based in Japan. Her father, Ko Gyo-taek, was originally from Jeju Island in South Korea. It reveals that the father of Ko Yong-hui was a Zainichi Korean smuggler. He was arrested in South Korea for trying to smuggle Japanese clothing, before fleeing to North Korea to escape legal troubles. North Korea was allegedly building a socialist utopia, which appealed to Ko Gyo-taek, who left with his 10-year-old daughter, Ko Yong-hui, to start fresh. The book does not reveal much about the childhood of Ko Yong-hui; it skips to the part when she had joined the renowned Mansudae Art Troupe in Pyongyang in the early 1970s, where he attracted the attention of Kim Jong-il, who had been married twice already. Ko Yong-hui became his second mistress. She lived in a luxurious villa near Pyongyang after being moved to the coastal city of Wonsan. She bore three kids. Kim Jong-Un was the second-born. How is it challenging the propaganda narrative of North Korea? This is detrimental to North Korea’s state ideology, which heavily relies on the disdain and hatred for the Japanese colonial legacy and the supremacy of the Kim bloodline. “North Korea has long propagated the narrative that the Kim family single-handedly achieved independence for the nation,” said Gomi in an interview with This Week in Asia. “However, revealing that the mother of the (North) Korean leader was a zainichi Korean – a group that is subject to discrimination in the North to this day – would undermine the regime’s prestige and legitimacy.” The Kim clan has always promoted the purity of a fabricated genealogy, “Mount Paektu bloodline”, named after the iconic mountain that borders China, and legend has it that it was the site where Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of Kim Jong-Un, led rebel fighters to struggle against the Japanese occupation. His son, the father of Kim Jong-Un, Kim Jong-il, was born in a guerrilla hut on the slopes of Mount Paektu. However, many Western historians dispute such claims as propaganda and claim he was born in the Russian refugee camps during World War II. The revelations are believed to have a strong domestic influence. North Korea had quietly produced a documentary about Ko in 2011, ‘Mother of Great Songun Korea’, which is now removed from the archives as foreign media started to trace her background. A defector who became a researcher tells Radio Free Asia, that it is a political liability, "The regime fears even a small crack in the illusion of revolutionary purity.” However, some scholars argue that this could open up conversations about diasporic history and reconciliation, though that seems unlikely under the current regime.

A new book by journalist and author Yoji Gomi reveals the secret past of Kim Jong-un’s Mother, Ko Yong-hui, who had a Japanese background, and this is intended to shake the propaganda narrative of the North Korean regime, which is based on hatred of the Japanese colonial legacy.

Who is Kim Jong-un's mother? Why her past is shaking North Korea’s propaganda narrative

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change.&nbsp;Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks.&nbsp;President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim.&nbsp;That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions.&nbsp;"Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained.&nbsp;North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum.&nbsp;These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed.&nbsp;In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable.&nbsp;As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal."&nbsp;And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said.&nbsp;It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Trumps Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear armed North Korea Whats next for Kim Jong Un

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change. Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks. President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim. That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions. "Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained. North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum. These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed. In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable. As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal." And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said. It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Despite yearslong efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is thought to possess multiple nuclear weapons, as well as missiles that can potentially reach the United States&nbsp;

Trump’s Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear-armed North Korea. What's next for Kim Jong Un?

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Trump&#39;s here to destroy democracy in Europe&quot;: ‘Kim Jong Un’ crashes NATO summit in The Hague, stages satirical protest . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONUncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONUncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATOSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/natosummit2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#natosummit2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/W987ipE4Oe">pic.twitter.com/W987ipE4Oe</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1937849223107821870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;NATO Chief Mark Rutte urged allies and industries to do more, better and together, stressing the demand signal NATO is sending to the defence industry. The leaders of the Western defence at the summit in The Hague are set to commit to spending five per cent of national output on defence and related infrastructure.&nbsp;Trump is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the second day of the Summit. When asked about the meeting, he said, “We’ll discuss his difficulties. He’s got a little difficulty. Zelensky, he’s a nice guy. I mean, I’m going to meet him today.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.” He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.” Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

‘Kim Jong Un’ at NATO Summit? Man impersonates North Korean leader, stages satirical protest | WATCH

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. This comes after Kim Jong-Un last week called the failed launch "a criminal act" and vowed to punish those responsible. &nbsp;A report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that those arrested were "greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident." The four arrested people included Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department, Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard where the accident occurred, Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop, and Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs. &nbsp;KCNA also reported that an "underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom", calling the extent of the damage "not serious". However, satellite images on multiple international news websites showed warship covered in blue tarps at the launch site.&nbsp;KCNA in a rare admission of failure had earlier said that the malfunction in the launch mechanism caused 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway.&nbsp;South Korea’s Lee said the damaged ship was believed to have capabilities similar to those of North Korea’s first destroyer, the Choe Hyon-ho, which was unveiled late last month in what Kim called a “breakthrough” in modernizing his naval forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch and collapsed onto its side while KIm Jong-Un watched over. Here's the video&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇰🇵Three Arrested in North Korea After Embarrassing Destroyer Launch Failure A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch — collapsing onto its side and leaving a trail of bubbles in the water. And it all happened right in front… <a href="https://t.co/iOJOhf0ljl">pic.twitter.com/iOJOhf0ljl</a>&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1926543949474193911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship covered damaged vessel in blue tarps

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. This comes after Kim Jong-Un last week called the failed launch "a criminal act" and vowed to punish those responsible. A report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that those arrested were "greatly responsible for the occurrence of the serious accident." The four arrested people included Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department, Kang Jong Chol, chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard where the accident occurred, Han Kyong Hak, head of the hull construction workshop, and Kim Yong Hak, deputy manager for administrative affairs. KCNA also reported that an "underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom", calling the extent of the damage "not serious". However, satellite images on multiple international news websites showed warship covered in blue tarps at the launch site. KCNA in a rare admission of failure had earlier said that the malfunction in the launch mechanism caused 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway. South Korea’s Lee said the damaged ship was believed to have capabilities similar to those of North Korea’s first destroyer, the Choe Hyon-ho, which was unveiled late last month in what Kim called a “breakthrough” in modernizing his naval forces. A 5,000-ton pride of North Korea’s navy dramatically tipped over during its ceremonial launch and collapsed onto its side while KIm Jong-Un watched over. Here's the video

North Korea has arrested four people a week after failed launch of its newest warship. Satellite images showed damaged vessel covered in blue tarps &nbsp;

North Korea arrests 4 over failed warship launch, evidence covered with tarpaulin to save Kim from embarrassment

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the need to develop new tanks, according to a report by state media. During an inspection of a major tank factory, Kim reviewed various tanks and other weaponry, highlighting the importance of advancing the country’s armored capabilities. The Korean Central News Agency confirmed the visit but did not disclose the name, location, or date of the facility tour.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un visits 'important' tank factory for inspection

From making its largest-ever warship to nuclear warheads,
North Korea is growing its arsenal at a rapid pace.
North Korea is the only nation that has tested nuclear weapons this century.
Donald Trump has started referring to North Korea as a "nuclear state."
How are U.S. policies towards North Korea expected to evolve under Trump's second term? 
Will there be a move towards "Complete Denuclearisation"?
We explore these questions this week on 'North Korea’s Growing Arsenal: Trump 2.0’ on #WIONWideAngle.

North Korea's nuclear power: Can Trump stop Kim Jong-Un?

The North Korea&rsquo;s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
UNESCO&rsquo;s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO&rsquo;s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of &ldquo;international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.&rdquo;
According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-building-its-largest-most-advanced-warship-ever-reveal-satellite-photos-8961040">North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos</a>
UNESCO officials also highlighted the &ldquo;millennium eruption&rdquo; witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history.
Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
<h2>Significance of Mount Paektu</h2>
Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-students-dance-to-chart-topping-song-praising-kim-jong-un-8921036">North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate</a>
The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country&rsquo;s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here.
The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the &ldquo;Mount Baekdu Bloodline&rdquo;. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem
<h2>Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu</h2>
The country&rsquo;s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-north-korean-warship-to-carry-dozens-of-missiles-heres-all-we-know-so-far-8916925">'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out</a>
Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula.
Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1404_APPEAR_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1404_APPEAR_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=157&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?" id="PL_iframe_block-m9h8f3lz-3wx2kwvm-cp5c8gbi"></iframe>
Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK&rsquo;s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
(With inputs from agencies)

UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. World.

The North Korea’s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark. UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO’s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of “international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms. Also read | North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos UNESCO officials also highlighted the “millennium eruption” witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history. Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of Mount Paektu Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born. Also read | North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here. The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the “Mount Baekdu Bloodline”. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu The country’s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain. Also read | '32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula. Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together? Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK’s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Mount Paektu listed as UNESCO Global Geopark. What is its significance?

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever&mdash;most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang.
The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.
&ldquo;The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,&rdquo; reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy&rsquo;s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-ground-for-plea-is-his-ill-health-mehul-choksis-legal-team-to-file-appeal-for-his-release-8959858">'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release</a> Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang&rsquo;s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate&rsquo;s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship&rsquo;s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly.
&ldquo;Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,&rdquo; Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added.
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly&rsquo;s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. &ldquo;Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-belgium-confirms-mehul-choksis-arrest-indian-extradition-request-8960987">Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request</a> &ldquo;If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,&rdquo; he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea&rsquo;s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. &ldquo;Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,&rdquo; Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

World: The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever—most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang. The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes. “The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,” reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | 'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release Kim Jong Un’s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate’s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship’s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly. “Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,” Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added. South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. “Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,” he said. Also Read | Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request “If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,” he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea’s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. “Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,” Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos

A video has surfaced on social media showing a YouTuber interviewing North Korean students. The female students can be seen praising their leader, Kim Jong Un and saying how things have gotten better under him. YouTuber Mike Okay asks them their views on the countryside, to which one of the girls replies, "Under the wise leadership of our fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un, our countryside has been changing."
Okay then asks her how is it changing, and she says, "New houses were built, also gymnasium, park and swimming pool."
Social media users were quick to point out how important it seemed to be for the girls to say the correct thing and that the words sounded rehearsed. A user commented on Reddit, "No pressure. One wrong word and your whole family gets sent to a labour camp."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/not-quite-shoot-to-kill-trumps-cowboy-bluster-on-tariffs-hides-a-pragmatic-subtext-8919727" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Not quite shoot-to-kill: Trump&rsquo;s cowboy bluster on tariffs hides a pragmatic subtext</a>
He then engages them in other chitchat, asking them which other countries they would like to visit. The same girl replies, England, because I am learning English, and China."
The video then goes on to show a performance by school children praising Kim Jong Un. The kids are dancing to a song which the narrator of the video says is the "very latest number one chart-topping single released by the DPRK" titled "Friendly Father."
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq publive-iframes-block publive-reddit-block" contenteditable="false" style="height: 500px;" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m91706ja-q1xt8x0z-q1kfv2ju"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/1jp78hd/an_actual_interview_with_students_in_north_korea/">An actual interview with students in North Korea and a musical</a> by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/turkish__cowboy/">u/turkish__cowboy</a> in <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/">ThatsInsane</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s sing about Kim Jong Un, our great leader, let&rsquo;s boast about Kim Jong Un, our friendly father.
&ldquo;Warm-hearted like your mother, benevolent like your father. He is holding his 10 million children in his arms and taking care of us with all his heart.&rdquo;
Visuals play on a screen behind the children, and at the end of the video, a missile supposedly bombs a sunflower field, leaving people aghast.
North Korea started allowing tourists from various countries in 2024 and early 2025 before shutting the doors again.
<h2>Netizens fear similar fate awaits America</h2>
Some people raised concerns that something similar might happen in America under Donald Trump. &ldquo;I feel like whenever I see North Koreans speak they look like they have think about what they are saying. It&rsquo;s sad. I hope we don&rsquo;t suffer the same fate in the United States," a user wrote.
Another added, &ldquo;Trump is going to have little conservative girls sing anthems about him soon! Just y&rsquo;all wait and see lol.&rdquo;
Several experts have raised concerns that free speech is under threat in the United States. A green card holder was recently arrested and sent to a Louisiana detention facility for protesting against Israel&rsquo;s conduct of the war in Gaza. The White House stated that the administration disapproves of his views on Middle East politics.
R&uuml;meysa &Ouml;zt&uuml;rk, a PhD student at Tufts, was taken into custody by masked men for allegedly being tied to activities supporting Hamas.
An entire news agency, Associated Press, was banned from the White House press room for not changing their words to "Gulf of America" from "Gulf of Mexico."

Kids can be seen dancing to a song which the narrator says is the "very latest number one chart-topping single released by the DPRK". World Trending

A video has surfaced on social media showing a YouTuber interviewing North Korean students. The female students can be seen praising their leader, Kim Jong Un and saying how things have gotten better under him. YouTuber Mike Okay asks them their views on the countryside, to which one of the girls replies, "Under the wise leadership of our fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un, our countryside has been changing." Okay then asks her how is it changing, and she says, "New houses were built, also gymnasium, park and swimming pool." Social media users were quick to point out how important it seemed to be for the girls to say the correct thing and that the words sounded rehearsed. A user commented on Reddit, "No pressure. One wrong word and your whole family gets sent to a labour camp." Also Read: Not quite shoot-to-kill: Trump’s cowboy bluster on tariffs hides a pragmatic subtext He then engages them in other chitchat, asking them which other countries they would like to visit. The same girl replies, England, because I am learning English, and China." The video then goes on to show a performance by school children praising Kim Jong Un. The kids are dancing to a song which the narrator of the video says is the "very latest number one chart-topping single released by the DPRK" titled "Friendly Father." An actual interview with students in North Korea and a musical by u/turkish__cowboy in ThatsInsane “Let’s sing about Kim Jong Un, our great leader, let’s boast about Kim Jong Un, our friendly father. “Warm-hearted like your mother, benevolent like your father. He is holding his 10 million children in his arms and taking care of us with all his heart.” Visuals play on a screen behind the children, and at the end of the video, a missile supposedly bombs a sunflower field, leaving people aghast. North Korea started allowing tourists from various countries in 2024 and early 2025 before shutting the doors again. Netizens fear similar fate awaits America Some people raised concerns that something similar might happen in America under Donald Trump. “I feel like whenever I see North Koreans speak they look like they have think about what they are saying. It’s sad. I hope we don’t suffer the same fate in the United States," a user wrote. Another added, “Trump is going to have little conservative girls sing anthems about him soon! Just y’all wait and see lol.” Several experts have raised concerns that free speech is under threat in the United States. A green card holder was recently arrested and sent to a Louisiana detention facility for protesting against Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza. The White House stated that the administration disapproves of his views on Middle East politics. Rümeysa Öztürk, a PhD student at Tufts, was taken into custody by masked men for allegedly being tied to activities supporting Hamas. An entire news agency, Associated Press, was banned from the White House press room for not changing their words to "Gulf of America" from "Gulf of Mexico."

North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards.
In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faked-birth-records-stole-children-from-mothers-for-overseas-adoption-investigation-finds-baby-exporter-adoption-scandal-scam-8895413">'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds</a>
While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type."
"They&rsquo;re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-24-killed-as-inferno-threatens-unesco-listed-sites-with-unprecedented-damage-8893062">South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with &lsquo;unprecedented damage&rsquo;</a>
Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards."
"I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. World

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards. In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Also read: 'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type." "They’re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added. Also read: South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’ Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards." "I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out

#Gravitas North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the testing of advanced suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence.

Kim Jong Un tests AI-powered ‘suicide drones’ for war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of suicide drones with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un supervises test of AI suicide drones

According to official media, North Korea has launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine" and added it to the fleet that presides over the seas between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un visits under-construction submarine site

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for building a strong, modern army to cope with any war during a visit to a military academy on Wednesday. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea: Kim Jong-Un calls for building modern army to brace for war

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In a move that blends geopolitics with the beautiful game, North Korea has reportedly blacklisted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tottenham">Tottenham Hotspur</a> matches from its television broadcasts. While the reclusive nation has long kept a tight grip on the content its citizens can access, Premier League games have surprisingly made the cut &mdash; though with a few curious caveats.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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Football fans in North Korea watch their matches four months behind the rest of the world, with games shortened to an hour and sandwiched between state news bulletins. Yet, the North London club has now found itself unwelcome on these heavily curated airwaves. The reason? Spurs' talismanic captain, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/son-heung-min">Son Heung-min</a>, is a native of Chuncheon, South Korea &mdash; the North&rsquo;s long-standing rival.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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This revelation comes from the US-based Stimson Center&rsquo;s 38 North project, which specialises in analysing North Korean affairs. According to their findings, Tottenham isn&rsquo;t the only team facing this bizarre form of censorship. Last year, the regime also quietly omitted games featuring Wolverhampton Wanderers&rsquo; forward Hwang Hee-chan and Brentford&rsquo;s young defender Kim Ji-soo &mdash; both South Korean internationals.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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"We thought it was interesting," said Martyn Williams of the Stimson Center in an interview. "We just saw a lot of football on KCTV. It's the main international sport they broadcast." Yet, even football can&rsquo;t seem to avoid the iron curtain of North Korean propaganda.
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW41631482 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="1384675671" paraeid="{66be4021-448a-4f65-bae0-8ca1ad542cbf}{45}"><span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">Social media reacts&nbsp;</h2>
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The news sparked an expected wave of social media reactions, with fans turning to humor to digest the surreal development.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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"It's because Kim thinks his people have suffered enough," one user quipped, while another remarked, "Should be banned here too the way Spurs are playing." Another jabbed, "Given Spurs' miserable recent performances, notably against mighty Tamworth, he's doing the people a favour!"<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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Tottenham, meanwhile, will aim to resurrect their dwindling campaign on Sunday, February 16, when they face off against Manchester United. After crashing out of both the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/carabao-cup">Carabao Cup</a>, manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself under mounting pressure. The Australian&rsquo;s plans have been derailed by an injury-hit squad, leaving Spurs fans anxiously hoping for a turnaround.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
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As for North Korean football enthusiasts, they'll have to make do without Harry Kane&rsquo;s old stomping ground &mdash; though given recent form, they might not be missing out on much.<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;
<span class="EOP SCXW41631482 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">(With inputs from agencies)
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Sports, Football: Football fans in North Korea watch their matches four months behind the rest of the world, with games shortened to an hour and put between state news bulletins

In a move that blends geopolitics with the beautiful game, North Korea has reportedly blacklisted Tottenham Hotspur matches from its television broadcasts. While the reclusive nation has long kept a tight grip on the content its citizens can access, Premier League games have surprisingly made the cut — though with a few curious caveats. Football fans in North Korea watch their matches four months behind the rest of the world, with games shortened to an hour and sandwiched between state news bulletins. Yet, the North London club has now found itself unwelcome on these heavily curated airwaves. The reason? Spurs' talismanic captain, Son Heung-min, is a native of Chuncheon, South Korea — the North’s long-standing rival. This revelation comes from the US-based Stimson Center’s 38 North project, which specialises in analysing North Korean affairs. According to their findings, Tottenham isn’t the only team facing this bizarre form of censorship. Last year, the regime also quietly omitted games featuring Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Hwang Hee-chan and Brentford’s young defender Kim Ji-soo — both South Korean internationals. "We thought it was interesting," said Martyn Williams of the Stimson Center in an interview. "We just saw a lot of football on KCTV. It's the main international sport they broadcast." Yet, even football can’t seem to avoid the iron curtain of North Korean propaganda. Social media reacts The news sparked an expected wave of social media reactions, with fans turning to humor to digest the surreal development. "It's because Kim thinks his people have suffered enough," one user quipped, while another remarked, "Should be banned here too the way Spurs are playing." Another jabbed, "Given Spurs' miserable recent performances, notably against mighty Tamworth, he's doing the people a favour!" Tottenham, meanwhile, will aim to resurrect their dwindling campaign on Sunday, February 16, when they face off against Manchester United. After crashing out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself under mounting pressure. The Australian’s plans have been derailed by an injury-hit squad, leaving Spurs fans anxiously hoping for a turnaround. As for North Korean football enthusiasts, they'll have to make do without Harry Kane’s old stomping ground — though given recent form, they might not be missing out on much. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un ‘red cards’ Spurs: North Korea drops Tottenham broadcasts in political power play

At a meeting of the workers' party of Korea this week, the North Korean leader criticised dozens of officials in a rare public rebuke for misconduct related to a 'drinking spree'. Watch this video to find out more.

Kim Jong-un slams officials for 'drinking spree' in rare public rebuke

Kim Jong Un visits a North Korean nuclear facility and emphasizes the need for expansion, following Donald Trump's statement that he plans to "reach out" to North Korea once more.

Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear facility, advocates for expansion after Trump's promise to "reach out"

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed that Pyongyang's nuclear programme would continue "indefinitely", state media reported Wednesday, days after new US President Donald Trump said he would make renewed diplomatic overtures to the reclusive leader.
Kim recently visited a nuclear-material production facility, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said, where Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces.
"It is our firm political and military stand and invariable noble task and duty to develop the state's nuclear counteraction posture indefinitely," Kim said, according to KCNA.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-opens-for-social-media-influencers-under-trump-20-8663906">White House opens for social media influencers under Trump 2.0</a>
The report, and Kim's nuclear factory visit, follow Pyongyang's test-firing on Saturday of sea-to-surface strategic guided cruise missiles, its first weapons test since Trump returned to the White House on January 20.
In response, an official with the US National Security Council said Trump would pursue "the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, just as he did in his first term", according to a report from the South Korean Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;
Trump, who had a rare series of meetings with Kim during his first term, said in an interview last week that he would reach out to the North Korean leader again, calling Kim a "smart guy".
Despite enduring crippling economic sanctions, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state in 2022.&nbsp;
Pyongyang says the weapons are necessary for its self-defence and to counter hostilities from Washington.
Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said Wednesday that the Trump administration appeared to be "adopting a two-track approach".&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-spacex-for-fast-track-return-of-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-to-home-says-musk-8662914">Trump orders Musk to bring astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home</a>
"Trump is extending overtures for dialogue with Kim to encourage discussions from a political perspective," Yang told AFP.
"On the other hand, Washington's working-level officials are now making clear that they focused on negotiating with the ultimate goal of achieving complete denuclearisation," he said.&nbsp;
But Yang added that North Korea might still want to speak to Washington "as they do need sanctions relief to keep its regime".
<h2 dir="ltr">'In love'</h2>
During his first term in office, Trump met with Kim three times, beginning with a landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018.&nbsp;
A few months after, Trump famously told a rally of his supporters that the two men had fallen "in love".&nbsp;
But their second summit in Hanoi collapsed in 2019 over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.&nbsp;
"I think he (Kim) misses me," Trump said in July last year, adding "it is nice to get along with somebody that has a lot of nuclear weapons".
In a commentary released the same month, North Korea said while it was true Trump tried to reflect the two leaders' "special personal relations", he "did not bring about any substantial positive change" during his first term in office.&nbsp;
"Even if any administration takes office in the US, the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change, and, accordingly, we do not care about this," it added.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledges the continuation of Pyongyang's nuclear programme indefinitely, despite recent diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to engage.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed that Pyongyang's nuclear programme would continue "indefinitely", state media reported Wednesday, days after new US President Donald Trump said he would make renewed diplomatic overtures to the reclusive leader. Kim recently visited a nuclear-material production facility, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said, where Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces. "It is our firm political and military stand and invariable noble task and duty to develop the state's nuclear counteraction posture indefinitely," Kim said, according to KCNA. Also read | White House opens for social media influencers under Trump 2.0 The report, and Kim's nuclear factory visit, follow Pyongyang's test-firing on Saturday of sea-to-surface strategic guided cruise missiles, its first weapons test since Trump returned to the White House on January 20. In response, an official with the US National Security Council said Trump would pursue "the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, just as he did in his first term", according to a report from the South Korean Yonhap news agency. Trump, who had a rare series of meetings with Kim during his first term, said in an interview last week that he would reach out to the North Korean leader again, calling Kim a "smart guy". Despite enduring crippling economic sanctions, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state in 2022. Pyongyang says the weapons are necessary for its self-defence and to counter hostilities from Washington. Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said Wednesday that the Trump administration appeared to be "adopting a two-track approach". Also read | Trump orders Musk to bring astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home "Trump is extending overtures for dialogue with Kim to encourage discussions from a political perspective," Yang told AFP. "On the other hand, Washington's working-level officials are now making clear that they focused on negotiating with the ultimate goal of achieving complete denuclearisation," he said. But Yang added that North Korea might still want to speak to Washington "as they do need sanctions relief to keep its regime". 'In love' During his first term in office, Trump met with Kim three times, beginning with a landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018. A few months after, Trump famously told a rally of his supporters that the two men had fallen "in love". But their second summit in Hanoi collapsed in 2019 over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return. "I think he (Kim) misses me," Trump said in July last year, adding "it is nice to get along with somebody that has a lot of nuclear weapons". In a commentary released the same month, North Korea said while it was true Trump tried to reflect the two leaders' "special personal relations", he "did not bring about any substantial positive change" during his first term in office. "Even if any administration takes office in the US, the political climate, which is confused by the infighting of the two parties, does not change, and, accordingly, we do not care about this," it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vows to continue nuclear programme

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a facility that produces nuclear material and called for bolstering the country’s nuclear capability. Watch this report for more details!

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear facility

North Korea has carried out its first weapons test since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on 20 January. The test involved what Pyongyang described as "strategic" cruise missiles, a term often associated with nuclear-capable weaponry. The move comes as North Korea criticised joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, which took place on Saturday (Jan 25). Kim referred to the underwater-to-surface strategic cruise missile system as part of the country's &ldquo;war deterrence means&rdquo; and added that it is being &ldquo;perfected more thoroughly.&rdquo;
<h2>'No negative impact' on the security of neighbouring countries</h2>
The missiles reportedly flew along elliptical and figure-eight flight paths for over two hours, covering a distance of 1,500 kilometres. KCNA noted that the missiles &ldquo;precisely&rdquo; hit their targets and stressed that the test had &ldquo;no negative impact&rdquo; on the security of neighbouring countries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-us-will-get-greenland-calls-denmark-pm-mette-frederiksen-8655480">Trump confident US will 'get Greenland,' calls Denmark's refusal 'very unfriendly'</a>
The KCNA said, &ldquo;The test-fire of the weapon system is part of plans for building the national defence capabilities to raise the effectiveness of strategic control against potential enemies in conformity with the changing regional safety circumstances.&rdquo;
<h2>North Korea condemns US for engaging in 'serious military provocations'</h2>
In addition, North Korea&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday condemning the US for engaging in what it called &ldquo;serious military provocations&rdquo; through its military exercises with South Korea. These joint drills are viewed by Pyongyang as rehearsals for invasion, though both Washington and Seoul maintain that the exercises are defensive in nature.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-says-uk-pm-keir-starmer-elon-musk-criticism-8655008">Trump says UK PM Starmer is doing 'very good job' despite 'first buddy' Elon Musk's criticism</a>
&ldquo;The reality stresses that the DPRK should counter the US with the toughest counteraction from A to Z as long as it refuses the sovereignty and security interests of the DPRK, and this is the best option for dealing with the US,&rdquo; the Foreign Ministry statement read. The DPRK, or Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea, is North Korea&rsquo;s official name.
<h2>Can Trump and Kim revive US-North Korea diplomacy?</h2>
The timing of the test coincides with the beginning of President Trump&rsquo;s second term. Trump and Kim met three times during his first term, though their talks in 2018-2019 broke down over disagreements regarding US-led sanctions on North Korea.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-covid-19-origin-lab-leak-donald-trumps-cia-pick-john-ratcliffe-takes-charge-8654524">CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19 as Ratcliffe takes charge</a>
In an interview with Fox News broadcast on Thursday, Trump described Kim as &ldquo;a smart guy&rdquo; and &ldquo;not a religious zealot.&rdquo; When asked if he planned to reach out to Kim again, Trump responded, &ldquo;I will, yeah.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday condemning the US for engaging in “military provocations” through its military exercises with South Korea.

North Korea has carried out its first weapons test since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on 20 January. The test involved what Pyongyang described as "strategic" cruise missiles, a term often associated with nuclear-capable weaponry. The move comes as North Korea criticised joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, which took place on Saturday (Jan 25). Kim referred to the underwater-to-surface strategic cruise missile system as part of the country's “war deterrence means” and added that it is being “perfected more thoroughly.” 'No negative impact' on the security of neighbouring countries The missiles reportedly flew along elliptical and figure-eight flight paths for over two hours, covering a distance of 1,500 kilometres. KCNA noted that the missiles “precisely” hit their targets and stressed that the test had “no negative impact” on the security of neighbouring countries. Also read: Trump confident US will 'get Greenland,' calls Denmark's refusal 'very unfriendly' The KCNA said, “The test-fire of the weapon system is part of plans for building the national defence capabilities to raise the effectiveness of strategic control against potential enemies in conformity with the changing regional safety circumstances.” North Korea condemns US for engaging in 'serious military provocations' In addition, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday condemning the US for engaging in what it called “serious military provocations” through its military exercises with South Korea. These joint drills are viewed by Pyongyang as rehearsals for invasion, though both Washington and Seoul maintain that the exercises are defensive in nature. Also read: Trump says UK PM Starmer is doing 'very good job' despite 'first buddy' Elon Musk's criticism “The reality stresses that the DPRK should counter the US with the toughest counteraction from A to Z as long as it refuses the sovereignty and security interests of the DPRK, and this is the best option for dealing with the US,” the Foreign Ministry statement read. The DPRK, or Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is North Korea’s official name. Can Trump and Kim revive US-North Korea diplomacy? The timing of the test coincides with the beginning of President Trump’s second term. Trump and Kim met three times during his first term, though their talks in 2018-2019 broke down over disagreements regarding US-led sanctions on North Korea. Also read: CIA says lab leak 'more likely' origin of COVID-19 as Ratcliffe takes charge In an interview with Fox News broadcast on Thursday, Trump described Kim as “a smart guy” and “not a religious zealot.” When asked if he planned to reach out to Kim again, Trump responded, “I will, yeah.” (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea tests 'strategic' cruise missiles, condemns US for engaging in 'serious military provocations'

North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) warned on Friday (Jan 24), Yonhap News Agency reported.&nbsp;
This comes after the North Korean military suffered the loss of many of its soldiers.&nbsp;
The claim by South Korea comes as US President Donald Trump suggested he would attempt to rekindle his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, calling him a "smart guy" in an interview with Fox News.&nbsp;
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South Korea's JCS said that four months after the North sent an estimated 11,000 troops to the Ukraine conflict, a significant number of whom have been killed or wounded, the regime &ldquo;is suspected of accelerating follow-up measures and preparation for an additional dispatch of troops&rdquo;.
However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff did not provide details of what follow-up measures North Korea is considering.&nbsp;
Notably, North Korea began sending its troops to the war after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on a mutual defence pact designed to strengthen their alliance against what the leaders called a US-led &ldquo;Western hegemony&rdquo;.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-significantly-benefiting-from-its-troops-fighting-in-russia-war-us-at-unsc-8603767" rel="dofollow"> North Korea 'significantly benefiting' from its troops fighting in Russia war: US at UNSC</a>
Over 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives, and 2,700 were injured while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine.
<h2>Trump to reach out to Kim&nbsp;</h2>
The US President said in an interview on Thursday that he planned to resurrect attempts to engage Kim, whom he met three times during his first term in the White House.&nbsp;
When asked if he would "reach out" to Kim again, Trump responded, &ldquo;I will, yeah. He liked me.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-of-involvement-zelensky-says-ukraine-captured-two-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-8610796" rel="dofollow">'Evidence of involvement': Zelensky says Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a>
Moreover, North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been ordered by Pyongyang to take their own lives rather than get captured, as reported earlier this month.&nbsp;
"Memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture," South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun claimed in comments to reporters, citing information from the National Intelligence Service.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-unveils-countrys-largest-warship-in-significant-boost-to-naval-power-report-8583248" rel="dofollow">North Korea's Kim unveils country's largest warship in significant boost to naval power: Report</a>
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan 12 proposed a soldier swap to North Korea, stating that he would hand them over to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian POWs that were held by Russia.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: North Korea began sending its troops to the war after Kim and Putin agreed on a mutual defence pact designed to strengthen their alliance. 

North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to fight in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) warned on Friday (Jan 24), Yonhap News Agency reported. This comes after the North Korean military suffered the loss of many of its soldiers. The claim by South Korea comes as US President Donald Trump suggested he would attempt to rekindle his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, calling him a "smart guy" in an interview with Fox News. Also read: North Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine were told to kill selves before capture: Seoul South Korea's JCS said that four months after the North sent an estimated 11,000 troops to the Ukraine conflict, a significant number of whom have been killed or wounded, the regime “is suspected of accelerating follow-up measures and preparation for an additional dispatch of troops”. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff did not provide details of what follow-up measures North Korea is considering. Notably, North Korea began sending its troops to the war after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on a mutual defence pact designed to strengthen their alliance against what the leaders called a US-led “Western hegemony”. Also read: North Korea 'significantly benefiting' from its troops fighting in Russia war: US at UNSC Over 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives, and 2,700 were injured while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Trump to reach out to Kim The US President said in an interview on Thursday that he planned to resurrect attempts to engage Kim, whom he met three times during his first term in the White House. When asked if he would "reach out" to Kim again, Trump responded, “I will, yeah. He liked me.” Also read: 'Evidence of involvement': Zelensky says Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk region Moreover, North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been ordered by Pyongyang to take their own lives rather than get captured, as reported earlier this month. "Memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture," South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun claimed in comments to reporters, citing information from the National Intelligence Service. Also read: North Korea's Kim unveils country's largest warship in significant boost to naval power: Report Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan 12 proposed a soldier swap to North Korea, stating that he would hand them over to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian POWs that were held by Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea preparing to send more troops to Ukraine war despite suffering high casualties

US President Donald Trump labeled North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a “nuclear power,” while boasting of their friendship immediately after his inauguration. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump calls Kim Jong-un a nuclear power, hails his friendship

North Korean leader Kim Jon Un released a statement on Tuesday (Jan 7) saying that the new hypersonic missile launched this week can deter all rivals in the Pacific region, according to state media reports.
"The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state," Kim, who oversaw the launch, said in comments carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday.
North Korea's latest missile launch has raised concerns among experts, who warn that the use of a "new compound of carbon fibre" in the missile's engine could significantly extend its range.&nbsp;
The launch, as per KCNA, also used a "new comprehensive and effective method" for its flight and guidance control system.
The North Korean leader also said that the missile launched on Monday achieved impressive milestones by flying 1,500 kilometres (930 miles), surpassing the 1,100-kilometre estimate provided by South Korea's military.&nbsp;
Additionally, the missile travelled at an astonishing 12 times the speed of sound before landing in the ocean.
"This is clearly a plan and effort for self-defence, not an offensive plan and action," Kim said.
He said that the missile's performance could "not be ignored worldwide", saying it was able to "deal a serious military strike to a rival while effectively breaking any dense defensive barrier".
"The development of the defence capabilities of the DPRK aiming to be a military power will be further accelerated," Kim said.
<h2>Blinken condemns North Korea&rsquo;s actions &nbsp;</h2>
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was visiting South Korea at the time, strongly criticised the missile test. Calling it "yet another violation of multiple Security Council resolutions," Blinken emphasised the Biden administration&rsquo;s willingness to engage with North Korea without preconditions, despite repeated provocations.
Blinken highlighted the importance of trilateral collaboration between the US, South Korea, and Japan, noting that joint efforts have strengthened real-time information sharing and enhanced collective defence. The missile launch, he said, serves as a stark reminder of the need for such cooperation.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: The North Korean leader said that the missile launched on Monday achieved impressive milestones by flying 1,500 kilometres (930 miles), surpassing the 1,100-kilometre estimate provided by South Korea's military. 

North Korean leader Kim Jon Un released a statement on Tuesday (Jan 7) saying that the new hypersonic missile launched this week can deter all rivals in the Pacific region, according to state media reports. "The hypersonic missile system will reliably contain any rivals in the Pacific region that can affect the security of our state," Kim, who oversaw the launch, said in comments carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday. North Korea's latest missile launch has raised concerns among experts, who warn that the use of a "new compound of carbon fibre" in the missile's engine could significantly extend its range. The launch, as per KCNA, also used a "new comprehensive and effective method" for its flight and guidance control system. The North Korean leader also said that the missile launched on Monday achieved impressive milestones by flying 1,500 kilometres (930 miles), surpassing the 1,100-kilometre estimate provided by South Korea's military. Additionally, the missile travelled at an astonishing 12 times the speed of sound before landing in the ocean. "This is clearly a plan and effort for self-defence, not an offensive plan and action," Kim said. He said that the missile's performance could "not be ignored worldwide", saying it was able to "deal a serious military strike to a rival while effectively breaking any dense defensive barrier". "The development of the defence capabilities of the DPRK aiming to be a military power will be further accelerated," Kim said. Blinken condemns North Korea’s actions US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was visiting South Korea at the time, strongly criticised the missile test. Calling it "yet another violation of multiple Security Council resolutions," Blinken emphasised the Biden administration’s willingness to engage with North Korea without preconditions, despite repeated provocations. Blinken highlighted the importance of trilateral collaboration between the US, South Korea, and Japan, noting that joint efforts have strengthened real-time information sharing and enhanced collective defence. The missile launch, he said, serves as a stark reminder of the need for such cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warns new missile will 'reliably contain any rival'

North Korea fired a ballistic missile out to sea off its east coast on Monday, coinciding with a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul during a period of political turmoil in South Korea. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea fires missile as Blinken visits Seoul

In a significant boost to its naval power, North Korea revealed its latest warship which is equipped with advanced missile technology.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the new destroyer at a facility as per the images released by state media, according to the Telegraph report.
The analysts, according to the report, believe that the warship was at the Nampho Dockyard, located on the west coast of the country.
The initial images of the incomplete warship indicate that it will have a beam of around 50 feet and an overall length of approximately 330 feet. At over 3,600 tonnes, it will represent a substantial expansion of North Korea's naval capabilities, overshadowing its current largest vessel, a 1,360-tonne frigate.
The naval warship is &ldquo;likely a destroyer and the largest warship ever constructed in the DPRK [Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea]&rdquo;, Joseph Dempsey, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Seoul-based NK News.
&ldquo;Weapons-wise, the large aperture immediately forward of the bridge would imply [plans to install a] possible vertical launching system&rdquo; for missiles.
This comes as North Korea and Russia are strengthening ties following a security pact in the year 2024.
Since Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Pyongyang and Moscow have frequently professed their military, political, and cultural ties.&nbsp;
In June this year, when Putin visited North Korea, the two nations signed a landmark defence pact. The pact came into effect in December and obligates them to provide military support in case the other is invaded.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-investigators-vow-to-execute-arrest-warrant-against-yoon-suk-yeol-before-jan-6-8582785" rel="dofollow">Also read: South Korean investigators vow to execute arrest warrant against Yoon before Jan 6</a>
<h2>North Korea's Kim sends New Year greetings to 'dearest friend' Putin</h2>
Kim Jong Un sent New Year&rsquo;s greetings to Vladimir Putin, hailing the Russian president as his "dearest friend" and comrade, as per state media reports.
&ldquo;The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un extended the warm New Year greetings to Putin, his dearest friend and comrade, offering warm greetings of best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all the service personnel of the brave Russian army on behalf of himself, the Korean people, and all the service personnel of the armed forces of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea),&rdquo; the message said.&nbsp;
Recalling the &ldquo;meaningful journey&rdquo; of the two countries in 2024, Kim also expressed his &ldquo;willingness to design and push ahead with new projects.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: North Korea revealed its latest warship equipped with advanced missile technology. Images showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the new destroyer.

In a significant boost to its naval power, North Korea revealed its latest warship which is equipped with advanced missile technology. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the new destroyer at a facility as per the images released by state media, according to the Telegraph report. The analysts, according to the report, believe that the warship was at the Nampho Dockyard, located on the west coast of the country. The initial images of the incomplete warship indicate that it will have a beam of around 50 feet and an overall length of approximately 330 feet. At over 3,600 tonnes, it will represent a substantial expansion of North Korea's naval capabilities, overshadowing its current largest vessel, a 1,360-tonne frigate. The naval warship is “likely a destroyer and the largest warship ever constructed in the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea]”, Joseph Dempsey, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Seoul-based NK News. “Weapons-wise, the large aperture immediately forward of the bridge would imply [plans to install a] possible vertical launching system” for missiles. This comes as North Korea and Russia are strengthening ties following a security pact in the year 2024. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Pyongyang and Moscow have frequently professed their military, political, and cultural ties. In June this year, when Putin visited North Korea, the two nations signed a landmark defence pact. The pact came into effect in December and obligates them to provide military support in case the other is invaded. Also read: South Korean investigators vow to execute arrest warrant against Yoon before Jan 6 North Korea's Kim sends New Year greetings to 'dearest friend' Putin Kim Jong Un sent New Year’s greetings to Vladimir Putin, hailing the Russian president as his "dearest friend" and comrade, as per state media reports. “The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un extended the warm New Year greetings to Putin, his dearest friend and comrade, offering warm greetings of best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all the service personnel of the brave Russian army on behalf of himself, the Korean people, and all the service personnel of the armed forces of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea),” the message said. Recalling the “meaningful journey” of the two countries in 2024, Kim also expressed his “willingness to design and push ahead with new projects.” (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Kim unveils country's largest warship in significant boost to naval power: Report

North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.

In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madness-must-be-stopped-zelensky-claims-russian-troops-burning-faces-of-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-war-784772">'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war</a>

On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security".

The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington.

"We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a>

But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces".

North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence".

It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies.

North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk

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North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month.

A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.

North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops. In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year. Also read | 'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security". The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington. "We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces". North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence". It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies. North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk × North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month. A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korea slams US-led criticism over alleged support for Russia, says 'reckless provocation'

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