On August 19, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to a naval destroyer, stated the need to expand the country's nuclear arsenal at an "accelerated pace." According to him, in a situation where regional security is increasingly deteriorating, fundamental changes in military theory and practice are required.
This statement was made against the backdrop of the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. Pyongyang considers these drills an "act of aggression." Kim Jong Un described them as a "clear desire to provoke war."
Earlier, South Korea had announced the postponement of part of its field exercises to September. Although this move aimed to open a path for dialogue, it did not receive a positive response from Pyongyang.
It was also reported that North Korea is preparing to constitutionally reject relations with the South. Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, referred to the South as the "most hostile state."
