Kim Jong Un Reasserts ‘Irreversible’ Nuclear Status as Putin Vows Deeper Ties

Overview

• North Korea’s parliament reappointed Kim Jong Un as head of the State Affairs Commission and broadcast his policy speech setting the regime’s course.
• Kim said the country’s status as a nuclear-armed state is irreversible and pledged to further build what he calls a defensive nuclear deterrent.
• The government set 15.8% of the 2026 budget for defense, signaling funds for the armed forces and continued nuclear development.
• Kim labeled South Korea the most hostile state and warned that any provocation would bring what he called an implacable price.
• The Kremlin sent a formal message praising Kim’s reappointment and promising to deepen a partnership rooted in a 2024 defense pact, while one outlet cited analysts who allege North Korean fighters aided Russia in Ukraine in exchange for aid, a claim not confirmed by officials.