Kim Jong Un urges military to bolster nuclear readiness
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged his military to develop nuclear forces "without limits" and finalise war preparations. The state-run KCNA agency in Pyongyang reported this statement, the latest in a series over recent months. The regime's media also emphasises that the leader attributes responsibility to his adversaries.
18 November 2024 18:34
The remarks from the North Korean dictator were made during the 4th Conference of Battalion Commanders and Political Instructors of the Korean People's Army. South Korean media, including the Yonhap agency, noted that it was the first time the event had been organised in 10 years.
Kim Jong Un urged army representatives to focus on completing preparations for war. He stressed that the primary challenge is bolstering the country's nuclear capabilities. He stated that North Korea's nuclear potential must serve as a deterrent and enable a pre-emptive strike in case of a threat.
Kim Jong Un threatens with nuclear weapons again, prepares for war
The leader of North Korea also once again criticised the United States and South Korea for forming a "nuclear alliance" and initiating an "Asian version of NATO". According to Pyongyang, this is occurring through strengthened trilateral military cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo.
- [The] U.S.-led military alliance has been expanding into larger areas encompassing Europe and the Asia-Pacific region - noted the dictator. He added that the United States, "the most hostile state", particularly threatens North Korea.
Kim Jong Un also addressed the issue of the war in Ukraine. He claimed that the West is fighting Russia and is using Ukrainians to gain battle experience.
North Korea has recently ratified a significant defence pact with Russia. In an effort to strengthen security cooperation, Pyongyang is sending thousands of soldiers to support Russia in the conflict against Ukraine.
- Under the current subjective, objective circumstances, completing war preparations is the most urgent task that cannot be delayed by a single days - declared Kim Jong Un.
