North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the nation’s nuclear forces to maintain a heightened state of readiness, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
Kim made this statement during an inspection of North Korea’s strategic missile sites, where he was accompanied by senior officials, including his sister, Kim Yo Jong, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the visit, Kim assessed the operational readiness of the country’s strategic deterrent forces, reviewing the capabilities and key functions of missile launch facilities, according to the report.
He praised the missile forces, describing them as a key pillar of North Korea’s defense strategy. Kim stressed the importance of prioritizing modernization efforts to bolster the country’s overall military strength.
In light of the increasing presence of US strategic nuclear assets in the region, Kim remarked, “The United States’ strategic nuclear forces are posing escalating threats to the security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).” He further emphasized that these growing dangers demand a stronger war deterrence stance and constant preparedness of North Korea’s nuclear forces.
Kim’s comments come amid claims from South Korea that North Korea has deployed at least 1,500 troops to Russia, reportedly in connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also alleged that North Korea is preparing two military brigades to support Russia.
Neither North Korea nor Russia has yet responded to these accusations.