Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear force expansion to counter US threats

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a significant expansion of his nuclear forces, citing U.S. threats. This marks his first direct criticism of the U.S. since Donald Trump's recent election victory. At a military conference, Kim condemned U.S. nuclear strategies and military cooperation with South Korea and Japan, which he described as escalating regional tensions. He also criticized U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Kim has strengthened ties with Russia and accelerated North Korea's military developments, including nuclear-capable systems. He has not acknowledged providing military support to Russia, and North Korea has suspended talks with the U.S. and South Korea since 2019.