DPRK's Kim Jong Un visits missile bases, inspects ballistic weapons
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The DPRK leader discusses the nation's war deterrence and the need to enhance and fortify its missile bases and capabilities given the global threat of US nuclear strategy.
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In this photo provided by the DPRK government, leader Kim Jong Un, center, supervises artillery firing drills on March 7, 2024. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
DPRK Leader Kim Jong Un visited a strategic missile base and was photographed viewing and examining transport and launch vehicles for the nation’s largest and most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles.
This inspection follows reports from South Korea's intelligence agency that Pyongyang has allegedly dispatched a "large-scale" troop deployment to Russia to support the fight against Ukraine.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim "examined the readiness for action of strategic deterrence directly connected with the security of the country."
State media images showed Kim standing before large Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles and medium- to long-range hypersonic missiles, which are difficult to intercept due to their irregular flight paths.
Kim inspected key launch facilities at the missile base and praised the missile force for its vital role in the nation’s war deterrence, emphasizing its priority.
During his visit, Kim discussed the "ever-increasing threats" to the DPRK's security, particularly due to the United States' strategic nuclear means, making it necessary that "the DPRK more definitely bolsters its war deterrence and takes a thorough and strict counteraction posture of the nuclear forces," KCNA reported.
In this context, Kim emphasized the need to enhance, fortify, and modernize the nation's missile bases.
Russia-DPRK cooperation not threat to South Korea security: Embassy
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Seoul stated on Monday that cooperation between Russia and DPRK is in line with international law and not directed against South Korea's security interests.
According to the spokesperson, "Cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea is carried out within the framework of international law and is not directed against the security interests of the Republic of Korea."
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry earlier summoned Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev to express concern over allegations that DPRK soldiers were sent to assist Russia in the Ukraine war. The discussion involved Kim Hong Kyun, South Korea’s first deputy foreign minister.
During their meeting, the first deputy foreign minister describing the cooperation between Russia and the DPRK as a serious threat to both South Korea and the international community, asserting it violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter.
Read more: Putin submits bill to ratify strategic partnership treaty with DPRK
