North Korea

North Korean Leader Declares South Korea Number One Hostile State

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for a constitutional change designating South Korea as the number one hostile state, abandoning the goal of reunification. He closed three agencies handling unification and inter-Korean tourism. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the remarks. Analysts speculate this may justify nuclear use. The shift marks a departure from decades of policy.

US Accuses Russia of Using Missiles From North Korea in Ukraine War

The White House has presented evidence that Russia used ballistic missiles from North Korea in attacks against Ukraine. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby alleged that a North Korean ballistic missile with a range of 900km landed in an open field in Ukraine on 30 December. Additional missiles launched on 2 January await assessment. Kirby noted that Iranian missiles have not yet reached Russia but are likely. The US intends to impose sanctions on individuals facilitating the arms transfer and will address Russia's violation of an international arms embargo at the UN. Kirby urged Congress to pass an arms package for Ukraine, stressing that Russia's reliance on foreign arms strengthens North Korea's military capabilities.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Inspects Russian Military Assets