North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on the country’s military to enhance its warfighting capabilities during a speech to battalion commanders and political instructors in Pyongyang last week. According to state media outlet KCNA, Kim emphasised the need to build political and military strength, citing escalating threats from the United States and its allies.
Kim described the Korean peninsula as “the world’s biggest hotspot” and said tensions had reached “the worst phase in history.” He urged military leaders to focus on preparing for “substantial and fundamental improvements” to ensure readiness for actual combat.
North Korea’s Growing Military Ties With Russia
Kim’s remarks come amid widespread international criticism of North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia. Reports from Washington, Seoul, and Kyiv indicate that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia to aid its war effort in Ukraine. Some of these troops have reportedly participated in combat near Kursk, close to the Ukrainian border.
The developments have drawn condemnation from leaders including US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. At a summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Peru, they criticised North Korea and Russia for “dangerously expanding” the conflict in Ukraine.
Workshops and Weapon Development
As part of the military conference, North Korea conducted workshops aimed at improving battalion efficiency and modernising war preparations. Kim also guided a test of suicide drones last week and ordered their mass production, citing global competition in deploying advanced weapons systems.
In parallel, a Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology, arrived in Pyongyang for trade and economic discussions. This visit underscores the growing alliance between the two nations.
Ukrainian Countermeasures
Ukraine’s forces have reportedly engaged North Korean troops in combat, with casualties on both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that these battles mark a “new page in instability” and reflect the shifting dynamics of the war. In response to the deployment of North Korean troops, the Biden administration has authorised Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike deep within Russian territory, signalling a major policy shift.
As tensions continue to rise, North Korea’s actions further highlight its ambitions to bolster its military influence and deepen its role in global conflicts.
With inputs from Reuters
