North Korea has conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system in a protest against this week's joint military drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan, state media KCNA said on Friday.

North Korea lauds Pyongyang's ‘underwater nuclear weapon system’

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia, North Korea leaders meet in Moscow, Putin set to visit North Korea

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Asked about the talks in Moscow, Peskov said the situation on the Korean peninsula was discussed, but that the main focus was on developing bilateral relations.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is our very important partner, and we are focussed on the further development of our relations in all areas, including in sensitive areas," Peskov told reporters.

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Putin has deepened ties with North Korea since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, and the United States and its allies have condemned what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort.

Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism. Moscow says it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-kim-putin-meet-train-traffic-between-north-korea-and-russia-spikes-643622">After Kim-Putin meet, train traffic between North Korea and Russia spikes</a>

Russia has gone out of its way to publicise the renaissance of its relationship, including military ties, with North Korea, which was formed in 1948 with the backing of the then-Soviet Union.

For Putin, who says Russia is locked in an existential battle with the West over Ukraine, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while securing a deep supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country.

Russia is developing its relations with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive" ones, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. North Korea's foreign minister lauded comradely ties with Russia on Tuesday and then held rare talks in the Kremlin with President Vladimir Putin, who has been invited by Kim Jong Un to visit the reclusive nuclear-armed country. WATCH | Russia, North Korea leaders meet in Moscow, Putin set to visit North Korea Asked about the talks in Moscow, Peskov said the situation on the Korean peninsula was discussed, but that the main focus was on developing bilateral relations. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is our very important partner, and we are focussed on the further development of our relations in all areas, including in sensitive areas," Peskov told reporters. ALSO READ | US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks Putin has deepened ties with North Korea since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, and the United States and its allies have condemned what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort. Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism. Moscow says it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements. ALSO READ | After Kim-Putin meet, train traffic between North Korea and Russia spikes Russia has gone out of its way to publicise the renaissance of its relationship, including military ties, with North Korea, which was formed in 1948 with the backing of the then-Soviet Union. For Putin, who says Russia is locked in an existential battle with the West over Ukraine, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while securing a deep supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.

Russia is developing ties with N. Korea in all areas, including ‘sensitive’ ones: Kremlin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday called for the constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is seen as the "primary foe" and warned his country did not intend to avoid war should it happen. North Korea should also plan for "Completely occupying, subjugating and reclaiming" South Korea in the event of a war, and South Koreans should also no longer be referred to as fellow countrymen, Kim added, calling for the severing of all inter-Korean communication.

North Korea's Kim Jong calls for South to be seen as 'primary foe'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui in Moscow hold a joint news conference after talks with, as the two countries deepen economic, political, and military ties. Choe arrived in Russia on Sunday (January 14).

Russia, North Korea leaders Sergie Lavrov & Choe Son Hui meet in Moscow | WION Pulse

Is North Korea preparing for war in 2024? North Korea's regime is once again ratcheting up its war rhetoric against South Korea and the US. This time, however, some analysts warn the threat goes beyond the usual bluster from Kim Jong-Un.

Kim Jong-Un brands South Korea primary foe & rules out unity

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday called for the constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is seen as the "primary foe" and warned his country did not intend to avoid war should it happen.

North Korea's Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as 'the most hostile state'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media outlet KCNA on Tuesday (Jan 16). This comes after North Korea abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification with the South.&nbsp;

<h2>‘The most hostile state’</h2>

In a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly – North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament – the country’s leader made a number of remarks including a warning that he did not intend to avoid war should it happen.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong calls for South to be seen as 'primary foe'

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Kim, according to KCNA, called for the framing of new legal measures to define South Korea as “the most hostile state”.

Kim also sought constitutional changes allowing the North to “occupy” Seoul in war.&nbsp;

“In my opinion, we can specify in our constitution the issue of completely occupying, subjugating and reclaiming the ROK (Republic of Korea) and annex it as a part of the territory of our Republic in case a war breaks out on the Korean peninsula,” said the North Korean leader.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-brands-seoul-principal-enemy-on-weapons-factory-tour-678716">North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour</a>

He also went on to threaten South Korea with war if “even 0.001 mm” of the North’s territory is violated. “If the Republic of Korea violates even 0.001 mm of our territorial land, air and waters, it will be considered a war provocation.”&nbsp;

“We don’t want war but we have no intention of avoiding it,” said Kim as quoted by KCNA.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Primary foe’</h2>

The strongly-worded speech came after Pyongyang abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification indicating that it was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea.&nbsp;

According to the state media, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism would also be shut down.&nbsp;

Kim said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused South Korea of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption.&nbsp;

He also said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL), reported KCNA.&nbsp;

In what could be seen as a symbolic move, Kim has vowed to get rid of the massive monument to the possible reunification of the Korean Peninsula that his father constructed in Pyongyang after calling it an “eyesore”.&nbsp;

According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”.&nbsp;

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Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung.&nbsp;

“Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho.&nbsp;

<h2>South Korea to not back down</h2>

Following threats by Kim, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told his cabinet on Tuesday (Jan 16) that should North Korea carry out a provocation, Seoul would hit back with a response “multiple times stronger”.&nbsp;

“If North Korea carries out a provocation, we will retaliate multiple times stronger,” said Yoon, in a meeting broadcast on television, pointing to their military’s “overwhelming response capabilities.”&nbsp;

He also went on to call Kim’s rejection of the NLL “a political provocative act to crack South Korea and make our people nervous.”

Earlier this month, North Korea fired around 200 artillery rounds near the disputed maritime border.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media outlet KCNA on Tuesday (Jan 16).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media outlet KCNA on Tuesday (Jan 16). This comes after North Korea abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification with the South. ‘The most hostile state’ In a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly – North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament – the country’s leader made a number of remarks including a warning that he did not intend to avoid war should it happen. WATCH | North Korea's Kim Jong calls for South to be seen as 'primary foe' Kim, according to KCNA, called for the framing of new legal measures to define South Korea as “the most hostile state”. Kim also sought constitutional changes allowing the North to “occupy” Seoul in war. “In my opinion, we can specify in our constitution the issue of completely occupying, subjugating and reclaiming the ROK (Republic of Korea) and annex it as a part of the territory of our Republic in case a war breaks out on the Korean peninsula,” said the North Korean leader. ALSO READ | North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour He also went on to threaten South Korea with war if “even 0.001 mm” of the North’s territory is violated. “If the Republic of Korea violates even 0.001 mm of our territorial land, air and waters, it will be considered a war provocation.” “We don’t want war but we have no intention of avoiding it,” said Kim as quoted by KCNA. ‘Primary foe’ The strongly-worded speech came after Pyongyang abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification indicating that it was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea. According to the state media, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism would also be shut down. Kim said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused South Korea of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption. He also said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL), reported KCNA. In what could be seen as a symbolic move, Kim has vowed to get rid of the massive monument to the possible reunification of the Korean Peninsula that his father constructed in Pyongyang after calling it an “eyesore”. According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”. ALSO READ | North Korea to welcome Russian tourists for first time since harsh Covid restrictions Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung. “Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho. South Korea to not back down Following threats by Kim, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told his cabinet on Tuesday (Jan 16) that should North Korea carry out a provocation, Seoul would hit back with a response “multiple times stronger”. “If North Korea carries out a provocation, we will retaliate multiple times stronger,” said Yoon, in a meeting broadcast on television, pointing to their military’s “overwhelming response capabilities.” He also went on to call Kim’s rejection of the NLL “a political provocative act to crack South Korea and make our people nervous.” Earlier this month, North Korea fired around 200 artillery rounds near the disputed maritime border. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war

North Korea's Kim Jong says, 'no intention of avoiding war with South Korea'

North Korean leader Kim warns of a war with South Korea

North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.&nbsp;

Pyongyang said the missile launch was aimed at testing the reliability of new multi-stage, high-trust solid fuel engines and that it did not pose a security threat to the neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

"The test-fire was aimed at verifying the gliding and manoeuvring characteristics of intermediate-range hypersonic manoeuvrable controlled warhead and the reliability of newly developed multi-stage high-thrust solid-fuel engines. The test fire was successfully conducted," said KCNA.&nbsp;

"The launch never affected the security of any neighbouring country and had nothing to do with the regional situation," it added.&nbsp;

The state agency did not mention if leader Kim Jong-Un was present at the site to oversee the launch.&nbsp;

According to reports, the testing of the hypersonic missile was the first launch by Pyongyang this year which is now attempting to develop weapons with enhanced precision and ability to better penetrate missile defences.&nbsp;

The launch also comes after Kim branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate Seoul, as he toured major weapons factories last week.

"The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim.&nbsp;

Also watch:&nbsp;Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday?

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<h2>What did S Korea claim?</h2>

On Sunday (Jan 14), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border.

"North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards East Sea," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. He, however, gave no further details.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-brands-seoul-principal-enemy-on-weapons-factory-tour-678716">North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour</a>

Japan, meanwhile, said that an object, potentially a ballistic missile, was from North Korea and warned vessels to take care.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.

North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea. Pyongyang said the missile launch was aimed at testing the reliability of new multi-stage, high-trust solid fuel engines and that it did not pose a security threat to the neighbouring countries. "The test-fire was aimed at verifying the gliding and manoeuvring characteristics of intermediate-range hypersonic manoeuvrable controlled warhead and the reliability of newly developed multi-stage high-thrust solid-fuel engines. The test fire was successfully conducted," said KCNA. "The launch never affected the security of any neighbouring country and had nothing to do with the regional situation," it added. The state agency did not mention if leader Kim Jong-Un was present at the site to oversee the launch. According to reports, the testing of the hypersonic missile was the first launch by Pyongyang this year which is now attempting to develop weapons with enhanced precision and ability to better penetrate missile defences. The launch also comes after Kim branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate Seoul, as he toured major weapons factories last week. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim. Also watch: Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday? What did S Korea claim? On Sunday (Jan 14), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border. "North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards East Sea," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. He, however, gave no further details. Also read: North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour Japan, meanwhile, said that an object, potentially a ballistic missile, was from North Korea and warned vessels to take care. (With inputs from agencies)

A day after Seoul's claims, N Korea says it fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile

Tensions in the Korean peninsula are on the rise after North Korea launched an intermediate range missile into the sea. The country says it was a new intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday.

North Korea says it tested solid-fuel missiles | What is solid fuel technology? | World DNA

The South Korean military said on Sunday (Jan 14) that North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border with the South.

The South Korean military said on Sunday (Jan 14) that North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border with the South. "North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile towards East Sea," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. He, however gave no further details. Also read: North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour Japan, meanwhile, said that an object, potentially a ballistic missile, was from North Korea and warned vessels to take care. Previous launch According to a report by the news agency AFP, North Korea fired a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile into the East Sea on Dec 18 last year. Sunday's test came days after Pyongyang conducted a series of rare live-fire drills near the maritime border with the South, prompting counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some South Korean border islands. Also watch: Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday? × Earlier this week, North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate the South, as he toured major weapons factories. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," Kim said on Wednesday, as reported by the official Korean Central News Agency.

North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea, says Seoul's military

North Korea to open its doors after 2020 as it eases Pandemic-era curbs. Moscow, Pyongyang set to boost economic ties post Kim-Putin summit. Watch to know more!

Russians to be first International travelers to visit North Korea

Four years after North Korea imposed a stringent lockdown in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the leader Kim Jong-un's government is all set to open its nation's doors for tourists. Russian State media said that a batch of Russian tourists will visit North Korea for a ski trip they will be the first International travellers to the country after the global pandemic.

Russians to be the first international travelers to visit North Korea

A batch of Russians are to arrive as first tourists in North Korea for the first time since it implemented some of the harshest COVID-19 border lockdowns in early 2020, reports said on Friday (Jan 12).

Entry to North Korea has been severely restricted ever since the Kim Jong Un government closed borders at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent defector testimony disclosed that North Korea had executed citizens for violating&nbsp;quarantine rules imposed during the pandemic, as reported by Nknews.

Tourists are returning after North Korea announced last year that it would begin permitting the entry of citizens who had been barred from the country for almost four years due to pandemic border controls.

Concerns are flagged by Human Rights Watch which stated in its World Report 2024 that the North Korean government continued to exploit the Covid&nbsp; pandemic to enforce “shoot on sight” orders on its northern border, restricting movement, maintaining trade restrictions, and reinforcing ideological control.

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The upcoming four-day tour of the Russian group was advertised by a Vladivostok-based agency.

This reportedly followed discussions between the governor of Russia's far eastern region of Primorsky Krai and officials in Pyongyang in December.&nbsp;

As outlined in an online itinerary, the tourists are scheduled to depart on February&nbsp;9 and will include stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort.

Media reports earlier pointed out that satellite image analysis before and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic along the China and Russia border revealed the extent of the restrictive measures implemented by Kim Jong Un regime.

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About the resumption of tourism, Simon Cockerell, general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours, reportedly said,&nbsp;"It is a good sign, but I would hesitate to say it necessarily will lead to a broader opening due to the special circumstances for this one trip."

"But given that no tourists have been for four-plus years, any tourism trip can be viewed as a positive step forward."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-titans-in-valuation-race-679231">Tech titans in valuation race</a>

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The development also comes after a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September in eastern Russia where they pledged deeper cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)

A batch of Russians are to arrive as first tourists in North Korea for the first time since it implemented some of the harshest COVID-19 border lockdowns in early 2020, reports said on Friday (Jan 12).

A batch of Russians are to arrive as first tourists in North Korea for the first time since it implemented some of the harshest COVID-19 border lockdowns in early 2020, reports said on Friday (Jan 12). Entry to North Korea has been severely restricted ever since the Kim Jong Un government closed borders at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent defector testimony disclosed that North Korea had executed citizens for violating quarantine rules imposed during the pandemic, as reported by Nknews. Tourists are returning after North Korea announced last year that it would begin permitting the entry of citizens who had been barred from the country for almost four years due to pandemic border controls. Concerns are flagged by Human Rights Watch which stated in its World Report 2024 that the North Korean government continued to exploit the Covid pandemic to enforce “shoot on sight” orders on its northern border, restricting movement, maintaining trade restrictions, and reinforcing ideological control. Also Read | China-Russia trade hits record high in 2023 amid decline in US commerce The upcoming four-day tour of the Russian group was advertised by a Vladivostok-based agency. This reportedly followed discussions between the governor of Russia's far eastern region of Primorsky Krai and officials in Pyongyang in December. As outlined in an online itinerary, the tourists are scheduled to depart on February 9 and will include stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort. Media reports earlier pointed out that satellite image analysis before and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic along the China and Russia border revealed the extent of the restrictive measures implemented by Kim Jong Un regime. Also Read | Argentina faces economic crisis as inflation soars over 200pc under President Javier Milei About the resumption of tourism, Simon Cockerell, general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours, reportedly said, "It is a good sign, but I would hesitate to say it necessarily will lead to a broader opening due to the special circumstances for this one trip." "But given that no tourists have been for four-plus years, any tourism trip can be viewed as a positive step forward." Watch | Tech titans in valuation race × The development also comes after a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September in eastern Russia where they pledged deeper cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea to welcome Russian tourists for first time since harsh Covid restrictions

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday.

The report follows recent live-fire exercises by Pyongyang's military near the contested maritime border that prompted counter-drills and evacuation orders for residents on two South Korean border islands.

Images in state media showed Kim, in a full-length black leather jacket, standing in front of what analysts said were short-range ballistic missile launchers, purportedly nuclear-capable.

"The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," Kim was reported as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency.

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Kim, urging factory workers to modernise and "produce more weapons", said he had "no intention of avoiding a war" and warned he would have no hesitation in "annihilating" South Korea, KCNA added.

News of the factory tour came a day after nearly 50 countries joined the United States in condemning North Korea's alleged transfers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, which would violate rafts of United Nations sanctions.

The White House last week accused the North of sending both missiles and launchers to Russia in what it called a "significant and concerning escalation" of its support for Moscow's war effort.

The live-fire drills that started last Friday marked one of the most serious escalations between the two sides since 2010, when the North shelled Yeonpyeong island, leaving four dead, including two marines.

<h2>- 'Much tougher stance' -</h2>

Kim, accompanied by senior party and military officials, toured multiple munitions factories on Monday and Tuesday, KCNA said, describing the visits as encouragement "in the struggle for attaining the huge production goal for the new year".

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Kim said that while the North would not "unilaterally" trigger a confrontation, it had "no intention of avoiding a war".

Were Seoul to use force against the North, "we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilising all means and forces in our hands," KCNA reported Kim as saying.

Those comments signal a shift in North Korean policy and hint that Pyongyang will take a "much tougher stance" toward Seoul in future, Hong Min, of the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"It is the first time that the North has called the South its 'principle enemy', signifying the change of North Korea's Seoul approach to an ultra-hawkish mode," he said.

The North's recent artillery drills were "emblematic of the changed approach," he added.

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Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decades, after Kim enshrined the country's status as a nuclear power into the constitution and test-fired several advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

At Pyongyang's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened a nuclear attack on the South and called for a build-up of his country's military arsenal ahead of armed conflict that he warned could "break out any time".

Kim also successfully put a spy satellite into orbit late last year, after receiving what Seoul said was Russian help, in exchange for arms transfers for Moscow's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un branded South Korea his country's "principal enemy" and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate it as he toured major weapons factories, state media said Wednesday. The report follows recent live-fire exercises by Pyongyang's military near the contested maritime border that prompted counter-drills and evacuation orders for residents on two South Korean border islands. Images in state media showed Kim, in a full-length black leather jacket, standing in front of what analysts said were short-range ballistic missile launchers, purportedly nuclear-capable. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," Kim was reported as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency. ALSO READ | North Korea rejects idea of reunification with South Korea, plans to launch spy satellites in 2024 Kim, urging factory workers to modernise and "produce more weapons", said he had "no intention of avoiding a war" and warned he would have no hesitation in "annihilating" South Korea, KCNA added. News of the factory tour came a day after nearly 50 countries joined the United States in condemning North Korea's alleged transfers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, which would violate rafts of United Nations sanctions. The White House last week accused the North of sending both missiles and launchers to Russia in what it called a "significant and concerning escalation" of its support for Moscow's war effort. The live-fire drills that started last Friday marked one of the most serious escalations between the two sides since 2010, when the North shelled Yeonpyeong island, leaving four dead, including two marines. - 'Much tougher stance' - Kim, accompanied by senior party and military officials, toured multiple munitions factories on Monday and Tuesday, KCNA said, describing the visits as encouragement "in the struggle for attaining the huge production goal for the new year". ALSO READ | Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation Kim said that while the North would not "unilaterally" trigger a confrontation, it had "no intention of avoiding a war". Were Seoul to use force against the North, "we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilising all means and forces in our hands," KCNA reported Kim as saying. Those comments signal a shift in North Korean policy and hint that Pyongyang will take a "much tougher stance" toward Seoul in future, Hong Min, of the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP. "It is the first time that the North has called the South its 'principle enemy', signifying the change of North Korea's Seoul approach to an ultra-hawkish mode," he said. The North's recent artillery drills were "emblematic of the changed approach," he added. ALSO READ | Kremlin critic Navalny makes appearance on TV screen in prison, first time since moving to new jail Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in decades, after Kim enshrined the country's status as a nuclear power into the constitution and test-fired several advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles. At Pyongyang's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened a nuclear attack on the South and called for a build-up of his country's military arsenal ahead of armed conflict that he warned could "break out any time". Kim also successfully put a spy satellite into orbit late last year, after receiving what Seoul said was Russian help, in exchange for arms transfers for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim brands Seoul ‘principal enemy’ during weapons factory tour

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is believed to have turned 40 on Monday. But state media continued its decades of silence on his birthday. Watch this video to find out why.

Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday?

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement.

This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

Seoul's army said that North Korea had "conducted artillery fire with over 90 rounds north of Yeonpyeong island from 1600 to 1710 (0400 to 0510 GMT) today".&nbsp;

"We issue a stern warning that North Korea's repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions and strongly urge that it be stopped immediately."

South Korea had warned the residents on the border island of Yeonpyeong to stay indoors.

"North Korean gunfire is currently being heard," stated a text message that was sent to all residents on Sunday afternoon, as per news agency AFP.

"Troops on Yeonpyeong Island are currently responding, but residents are advised to be careful of outdoor activities," the message said.

North Korea fired artillery rounds in the same vicinity on Friday and Saturday, close to the thinly populated islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, which are located just south of the de facto sea boundary between the two sides.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-claims-s-korea-misjudged-sound-of-explosives-as-artillery-fire-677432">Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire</a>

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military said in a statement. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South. Seoul's army said that North Korea had "conducted artillery fire with over 90 rounds north of Yeonpyeong island from 1600 to 1710 (0400 to 0510 GMT) today". "We issue a stern warning that North Korea's repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions and strongly urge that it be stopped immediately." South Korea had warned the residents on the border island of Yeonpyeong to stay indoors. "North Korean gunfire is currently being heard," stated a text message that was sent to all residents on Sunday afternoon, as per news agency AFP. "Troops on Yeonpyeong Island are currently responding, but residents are advised to be careful of outdoor activities," the message said. North Korea fired artillery rounds in the same vicinity on Friday and Saturday, close to the thinly populated islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, which are located just south of the de facto sea boundary between the two sides. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. Also read: Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea conducts live-fire drills near maritime border on third consecutive day

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that&nbsp;Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6).&nbsp;

Seoul's military had claimed that North Korea fired over&nbsp;60 artillery rounds near Yeonpyeong Island which landed in a buffer zone, set up under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept&nbsp;19, 2018, to reduce border tensions.

"Our military did not fire a single shell into the water area,"&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;

She added that the military had instead detonated explosives that simulated the sound of gunfire 60 times and "watched the reaction" of the South Korean forces who mistook them for missiles.&nbsp;

"The result was exactly as we expected. They misjudged the sound of explosives as gunfire, assumed it was an artillery fire provocation, and shamelessly made up a lie," she added.&nbsp;

"In the future, they will misjudge even the rumbling sound of thunder in the northern sky as artillery fire from our military," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-in-korean-peninsula-north-korea-conducts-artillery-drills-near-south-korean-islands-wion-676856">Watch |&nbsp;Tensions in Korean Peninsula: North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands</a>

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<h2>South Korea warns civilians</h2>

Notably, South Korea on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115 km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance,&nbsp;to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-calls-out-usa-for-double-standards-over-n-koreas-spy-satellite-664463">Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite</a>

Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a&nbsp;"provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea.

On Sunday afternoon (Jan 7), South Korea media reports, citing military sources, claimed that North Korea had once again fired shots into the sea north of&nbsp;Yeonpyeong island.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6).

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denied claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang fired dozens of artillery rounds near their border on Saturday (Jan 6). Seoul's military had claimed that North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds near Yeonpyeong Island which landed in a buffer zone, set up under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept 19, 2018, to reduce border tensions. "Our military did not fire a single shell into the water area," Kim Yo Jong was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA. She added that the military had instead detonated explosives that simulated the sound of gunfire 60 times and "watched the reaction" of the South Korean forces who mistook them for missiles. "The result was exactly as we expected. They misjudged the sound of explosives as gunfire, assumed it was an artillery fire provocation, and shamelessly made up a lie," she added. "In the future, they will misjudge even the rumbling sound of thunder in the northern sky as artillery fire from our military," she said. Watch | Tensions in Korean Peninsula: North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands × South Korea warns civilians Notably, South Korea on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115 km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Also read | Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea. On Sunday afternoon (Jan 7), South Korea media reports, citing military sources, claimed that North Korea had once again fired shots into the sea north of Yeonpyeong island. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un’s sister claims S Korea 'misjudged' sound of explosives as artillery fire

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.

Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance,&nbsp;to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a>

Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate.

Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a&nbsp;"provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea.

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War

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The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept&nbsp;19, 2018, to reduce border tensions.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a>

<h2>South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island</h2>

South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports.&nbsp;

This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area.

The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported. Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Also read | South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate. Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea. Also watch | North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War × The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept 19, 2018, to reduce border tensions. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." Also read: South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports. This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area. The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-200-artillery-shells-south-korea-forced-to-evacuate-island-town-676765">North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats</a>

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Also read: North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South’s Yeonpyeong Island

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.S. White House.

The statement on social media platform X came after the governor of the northeastern region of Kharkiv said that his region had been struck by missiles fired by Russia that were not Russian-made.

"There is no longer any disguise ... as part of its outright genocidal war, the Russian Federation for the first time struck at the territory of Ukraine with missiles received from ... North Korea," the senior Kyiv official, Mykhailo Podolyak, said.

He did not provide evidence for the missiles being North Korean. In its statement on Thursday, Washington cited declassified intelligence.

"(Russia) is attacking Ukrainians with missiles received from a state where citizens are tortured in concentration camps for having an unregistered radio, talking to a tourist, watching TV shows," Podolyak said.

The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on the U.S. assertion that Russia had fired North Korean-supplied short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, the Kharkiv regional governor said missiles produced outside Russia had been fired into the province at the end of December and the beginning of January.

A Reuters video operator filmed the aftermath of a Russian air strike on the regional capital of Kharkiv on Jan. 2, in which a missile landed close to the city centre, leaving behind a deep crater and missile debris.

Shown the Reuters footage for review, Joost Oliemans, a Dutch researcher and expert on North Korea's military, said the missile remnants looked like they were from North Korea.

"It (the footage) appears to show the main body as well as the engine section of a missile that is pretty much a dead match for a North Korean type of missile that we've actually seen pretty clear photos of in the past few years," he said.

Kharkiv regional prosecutors said they were conducting an investigation into the country of origin of three missiles used by Russia to hit the provincial capital on Tuesday. Their statement did not name North Korea.

That attack on Kharkiv city killed two people and wounded 62, the prosecutor's office said.

Ukraine's air force said earlier on Friday it could not yet confirm the country of manufacture of the missiles in question.

While the United States would not say specifically what type of missiles Pyongyang had sent to Russia, U.S. spokesman John Kirby said they had a range of about 900 km (550 miles). He released a graphic that appeared to show KN-23 and KN-25 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs).

North Korea has been under a United Nations arms embargo since it first tested a nuclear bomb in 2006.

U.N. Security Council resolutions - approved with Russian support - ban countries from trading weapons or other military equipment with North Korea.

In November, South Korean authorities said North Korea may have supplied SRBMs to Russia as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied conducting any arms deals but vowed last year to deepen military relations.

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.S. White House. The statement on social media platform X came after the governor of the northeastern region of Kharkiv said that his region had been struck by missiles fired by Russia that were not Russian-made. "There is no longer any disguise ... as part of its outright genocidal war, the Russian Federation for the first time struck at the territory of Ukraine with missiles received from ... North Korea," the senior Kyiv official, Mykhailo Podolyak, said. He did not provide evidence for the missiles being North Korean. In its statement on Thursday, Washington cited declassified intelligence. "(Russia) is attacking Ukrainians with missiles received from a state where citizens are tortured in concentration camps for having an unregistered radio, talking to a tourist, watching TV shows," Podolyak said. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on the U.S. assertion that Russia had fired North Korean-supplied short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine. Earlier on Friday, the Kharkiv regional governor said missiles produced outside Russia had been fired into the province at the end of December and the beginning of January. A Reuters video operator filmed the aftermath of a Russian air strike on the regional capital of Kharkiv on Jan. 2, in which a missile landed close to the city centre, leaving behind a deep crater and missile debris. Shown the Reuters footage for review, Joost Oliemans, a Dutch researcher and expert on North Korea's military, said the missile remnants looked like they were from North Korea. "It (the footage) appears to show the main body as well as the engine section of a missile that is pretty much a dead match for a North Korean type of missile that we've actually seen pretty clear photos of in the past few years," he said. Kharkiv regional prosecutors said they were conducting an investigation into the country of origin of three missiles used by Russia to hit the provincial capital on Tuesday. Their statement did not name North Korea. That attack on Kharkiv city killed two people and wounded 62, the prosecutor's office said. Ukraine's air force said earlier on Friday it could not yet confirm the country of manufacture of the missiles in question. While the United States would not say specifically what type of missiles Pyongyang had sent to Russia, U.S. spokesman John Kirby said they had a range of about 900 km (550 miles). He released a graphic that appeared to show KN-23 and KN-25 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). North Korea has been under a United Nations arms embargo since it first tested a nuclear bomb in 2006. U.N. Security Council resolutions - approved with Russian support - ban countries from trading weapons or other military equipment with North Korea. In November, South Korean authorities said North Korea may have supplied SRBMs to Russia as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied conducting any arms deals but vowed last year to deepen military relations.

Russia fires North Korean missiles at Ukraine for first time - Kyiv official

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media.&nbsp;

The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.&nbsp;

During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media.&nbsp;

Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency.&nbsp;

"Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-north-korea-supplied-russia-with-missiles-for-ukraine-attacks-676691">US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks</a>

In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons.

Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA.

"He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said.

<h2>White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia</h2>

The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border

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For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow.

In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable.

"(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States. During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media. Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency. "Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported. Also read: US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons. Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA. "He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said. White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine. Watch: South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow. In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable. "(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for more production of missile launchers amid US-South Korea wargames

In one of the most serious military escalations between the North and South Korea in recent history, North Korea fired over 200 artillery shells on Friday, sparking tensions between the neighbours and forcing South Korea to evacuate two of its island towns.

North Korea fires 200 artillery shells; South Korea evacuates 2 border islands

White House claimed on Thursday (Jan 4) that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine. In a briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: "This is a significant and concerning escalation."&nbsp;

"Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles," said Kirby.&nbsp;

Kirby said that Russian forces launched at least one of the North Korean-supplied missiles on December 30, which landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;

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He added that Moscow's forces then fired "multiple" ballistic missiles into Ukraine as part of a mass aerial attack on January 2.&nbsp;

Kirby said that the United States and its allies will now take the matter to the UN Security Council, citing a violation of UN sanctions against North Korea. He told reporters that the United States will raise these arms deals at the UNSC alongside our allies and partners, and "we will demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligations".&nbsp;

He added that Russia also wants to purchase close-range ballistic missiles from its ally Iran for use in its war in Ukraine. "Second, we will impose additional sanctions against those working to facilitate arms transfers between Russia and the DPRK and between Russia and Iran."&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Red Sea war fuels inflation wars

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"Third, we will continue to release information to the public and expose these arms deals as we are doing today, because we will not allow countries to aid Russia's war machine in secret," he added.&nbsp;

"But here's the bottom line: the most effective response to Russia's horrific violence against the Ukrainian people is to continue to provide Ukraine with vital air defence capabilities and other types of military equipment. To do that, we need Congress to approve our supplemental funding request for Ukraine without delay," Kirby said.&nbsp;

Russia recently launched some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since the war began almost two years ago. Kyiv on Tuesday said that Russia had launched well over 300 attack drones and missiles of various kinds at cities across Ukraine since Friday.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

White House claimed on Thursday (Jan 4) that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine.

White House claimed on Thursday (Jan 4) that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine. In a briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: "This is a significant and concerning escalation." "Our information indicates that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles," said Kirby. Kirby said that Russian forces launched at least one of the North Korean-supplied missiles on December 30, which landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Also read: Ukrainian cyber spy chief claims Russian hackers were inside telecom giant for months He added that Moscow's forces then fired "multiple" ballistic missiles into Ukraine as part of a mass aerial attack on January 2. Kirby said that the United States and its allies will now take the matter to the UN Security Council, citing a violation of UN sanctions against North Korea. He told reporters that the United States will raise these arms deals at the UNSC alongside our allies and partners, and "we will demand that Russia be held accountable for yet again violating its international obligations". He added that Russia also wants to purchase close-range ballistic missiles from its ally Iran for use in its war in Ukraine. "Second, we will impose additional sanctions against those working to facilitate arms transfers between Russia and the DPRK and between Russia and Iran." Also read: Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression' Watch: Gravitas | Red Sea war fuels inflation wars × "Third, we will continue to release information to the public and expose these arms deals as we are doing today, because we will not allow countries to aid Russia's war machine in secret," he added. "But here's the bottom line: the most effective response to Russia's horrific violence against the Ukrainian people is to continue to provide Ukraine with vital air defence capabilities and other types of military equipment. To do that, we need Congress to approve our supplemental funding request for Ukraine without delay," Kirby said. Russia recently launched some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since the war began almost two years ago. Kyiv on Tuesday said that Russia had launched well over 300 attack drones and missiles of various kinds at cities across Ukraine since Friday. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks

South Korea conducts a live fire drills as North shells border islands

North Korea fired artillery rounds near its disputed sea boundary with South Korea on Friday in violation of a fragile 2018 military agreement, officials said, prompting the South to plan similar drills.

North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands

Tensions are rising in the Korean peninsula and the evacuation order has been issued in South Korean border island due to North Korean provocation. The orders have been issued by the South Korean military.

Tensions in Korean North Korea fires artillery shells after US-South Korea military drills

Tensions in Korean Peninsula: Kim Jong-Un vows to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Tensions in Korean Peninsula: North Korea conducts artillery drills near South Korean islands | WION

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