North Korea’s latest political gathering has underscored the dual track that defines Kim’s current strategy: uncompromising rhetoric toward Seoul and conditional openness toward Washington. The message, delivered through state media, highlights how Pyongyang is seeking to reinforce its nuclear credentials while preserving diplomatic flexibility at a time of shifting regional dynamics.

The comments were reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency at the conclusion of a congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, which set policy priorities for the next five years. As in previous party meetings, military modernization featured prominently.

Kim hardens tone toward South Korea

According to KCNA, Kim declared that North Korea could “completely destroy” South Korea if its security were threatened. He repeated his refusal to engage in inter-Korean dialogue and insisted there was “absolutely nothing to discuss” with what he described as an enemy state.

In recent years, Kim has abandoned Pyongyang’s longstanding rhetorical commitment to peaceful reunification. In 2024, he formally defined South Korea as a permanent adversary, a shift analysts say reflects frustration with stalled diplomacy and a belief that Seoul no longer serves as a useful intermediary with Washington.

At the congress, Kim criticized calls for engagement from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, dismissing them as deceptive. South Korea’s Unification Ministry responded by expressing regret that the North continues to characterize inter-Korean relations as hostile and said Seoul would continue efforts to stabilize peace on the peninsula.

Despite the harsh language, many analysts view the rhetoric as calibrated rather than a prelude to imminent conflict. They argue it is designed to reinforce domestic unity and bolster North Korea’s deterrence posture, rather than signal immediate military escalation.

Conditional opening to Washington

While striking a confrontational tone toward Seoul, Kim left room for possible talks with the United States. He said there was “no reason we cannot get along” with Americans if Washington abandons what Pyongyang calls its “hostile policy” — a term North Korea commonly uses to describe U.S.-led sanctions and joint military exercises with South Korea.

“The prospects of U.S.-North Korea relations depend entirely on the U.S. attitude,” Kim was quoted as saying. “Whether it’s peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation, we are ready for either.”

Diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington has been stalled since 2019, when Kim’s second summit with then–U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed without agreement. Since then, North Korea has rejected U.S. and South Korean calls to resume talks aimed at curbing its nuclear program.

Analysts have long suggested that Pyongyang seeks sanctions relief and tacit recognition as a nuclear weapons state. By softening his message toward Washington while escalating rhetoric toward Seoul, Kim may be attempting to keep diplomatic options open without appearing conciliatory at home.

Military parade and symbolic messaging

Kim concluded the congress with a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang’s central square, sharing the stage with his daughter, widely believed to be Kim Ju Ae. The two appeared together in matching dark leather coats, observing formations and aerial flyovers.

The parade took place in Kim Il Sung Square, named after the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather. State media images showed conventional forces and various missile systems, but notably did not display the country’s largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which are theoretically capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

The absence of those systems has prompted speculation that Pyongyang sought to avoid directly antagonizing Washington while signaling strength to domestic and regional audiences. North Korea has previously showcased solid-fuel ICBMs and other advanced systems in large-scale parades.

Expanding nuclear and advanced weapons programs

At the congress, Kim declared that the accelerated development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities in recent years had “permanently cemented” its status as a nuclear weapons state. He set out plans to further strengthen that arsenal over the next five years.

Among the goals outlined were the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from underwater platforms, potentially to be deployed on a nuclear-powered submarine that Pyongyang says it is building. Kim also called for faster production of nuclear warheads and a wider array of delivery systems, including tactical nuclear weapons such as artillery and short-range missiles aimed at South Korea.

In addition, he cited ambitions to develop artificial intelligence–equipped attack drones, enhance electronic warfare capabilities to disrupt enemy command systems, expand reconnaissance satellite networks, and create weapons designed to strike enemy satellites.

North Korea has made steady progress in recent years, testing solid-fuel ICBMs, tactical nuclear systems and what it has described as hypersonic missiles. It successfully launched its first military reconnaissance satellite in 2023, marking another step in its effort to enhance surveillance and targeting capabilities.

Kim also signaled that nuclear-capable artillery deployments near the inter-Korean border would increase annually, alongside efforts to further fortify frontier defenses.

Regional recalibration

Kim’s latest messaging comes amid closer ties with Russia and sustained, though cautious, engagement with China. North Korea has reportedly provided troops and military equipment to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, a move widely seen as a bid to secure economic aid and advanced military technology in return.

At the same time, keeping channels open to Washington could provide leverage should the geopolitical landscape shift. With U.S.-North Korea diplomacy frozen and sanctions firmly in place, Pyongyang appears to be balancing confrontation with conditional outreach.

For now, the outcome hinges on whether either side sees value in returning to talks. As Kim framed it, the next step rests with Washington — even as North Korea presses ahead with an ambitious military buildup.

Source: AP News – North Korea warns it could destroy South if threatened, but leaves door open for US dialogue

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MOSCOW — Russia held its largest Victory Day celebration in years on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The spectacle on Moscow’s Red Square featured tanks, fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles — all under the watchful eye of President Vladimir Putin and an unusually high number of foreign leaders.

More than 11,500 troops and over 180 military vehicles rolled through the square, showcasing Russia’s military might. High above, fighter jets flew in tight formation, trailing plumes of smoke in the colors of the national flag.

This year’s parade wasn’t just about the past. It was a pointed message from the Kremlin: Russia isn’t isolated — and it’s not backing down. Sitting beside Putin were Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, part of the largest gathering of foreign dignitaries in Moscow since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

A Show of Strength and Solidarity

Victory Day, celebrated annually on May 9, is Russia’s most significant secular holiday — a blend of national pride, military tradition, and political theater. For Putin, now in his 25th year in power, it’s also a moment to rally support at home and reinforce his vision of Russia as a global power defying Western pressure.

“This is about showing the world — and especially the West — that Russia still has powerful friends and is not alone,” said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. He noted that even Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s presence signaled divisions within the West and marked a public relations win for Putin.

Linking Past Sacrifice to Present Conflict

The Kremlin draws heavily on the emotional legacy of World War II, or the “Great Patriotic War,” as it’s known in Russia — a conflict in which the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people. That sacrifice remains one of the few unifying chapters in Russian history and serves as a powerful national symbol.

Addressing the crowd, Putin praised Russian troops currently fighting in Ukraine. “We are proud of their courage and determination,” he said, casting today’s conflict as a continuation of Russia’s historic struggles.

Analysts say Putin has turned Victory Day into a “civic religion” — using nostalgia, patriotism, and nationalism to justify his increasingly authoritarian rule and Russia’s actions abroad.

North Korean Presence Raises Eyebrows

Among the guests in Red Square were senior North Korean military officials — one of whom received a hug from Putin. Last month, North Korea confirmed it had sent troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine, prompting growing concerns over a deepening military alliance between the two countries.

Russia recently claimed it had fully recaptured the Kursk region following a Ukrainian incursion last year — a claim Ukraine disputes.

Drone Strikes, Airport Chaos Shadow the Celebration

Despite the pageantry, Moscow wasn’t immune to the ongoing war’s realities. Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted airports in the capital, leading Aeroflot to cancel more than 100 flights on Wednesday and delay over 140 others. Authorities responded by ramping up security and deploying electronic countermeasures, which temporarily knocked out mobile internet service in parts of the city.

Similar parades were held across Russia, including in St. Petersburg and Volgograd — both of which temporarily reverted to their World War II-era names of Leningrad and Stalingrad for the occasion.

Diplomatic Meetings Behind the Scenes

After the parade, Putin hosted a Kremlin reception with the visiting world leaders and held bilateral talks with Lula. His foreign policy adviser later told Russian state media that Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump exchanged warm greetings “through their aides,” in recognition of their shared WWII commemoration.

Europe Responds with War Crimes Push

While Putin celebrated in Moscow, dozens of European officials gathered in Lviv, western Ukraine, where they backed the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute alleged Russian war crimes.

“Russia must feel our growing strength,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the summit. “This is a moral duty — for Europe and for anyone who values human life.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the tribunal would help “end impunity” for crimes committed during Russia’s invasion. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed that message: “Nobody can be left unpunished.”

In response, the Kremlin remained defiant. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov brushed off the tribunal initiative, saying Moscow would not comment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported fresh Russian attacks across Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that killed at least two civilians and injured several more, underscoring the brutal toll of a war that shows no signs of ending.

Source: AP News – Victory Day parade in Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany

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KYIV, Ukraine – A pre-dawn missile and drone strike in Kyiv on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of at least two people and left eight others injured, including four children, Ukrainian officials reported. The deadly attack hit apartment buildings, further escalating tensions ahead of Russia’s planned ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

The Attack: Chaos Before Dawn

The Russian assault, which included a ballistic missile and multiple drones, came as part of Moscow’s ongoing campaign against Ukraine. The missiles and drones targeted various parts of Kyiv, including a five-story residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district, where debris from the drones caused a fire. The victims, found in the apartment complex, were killed by the fire. Meanwhile, four others, including three children, were hospitalized, and several others were treated at the scene.

In another district, Sviatoshynskyi, drone debris caused a fire that spread across multiple upper floors of a nine-story building. Emergency responders managed to rescue five people, with the fire covering an area of about 100 square meters.

In the Dniprovskyi district, a high-rise building’s upper floors were severely damaged by a drone strike, although no injuries were reported. Elsewhere in Kyiv, air defense forces successfully intercepted a ballistic missile in the Solomianskyi district, though its warhead fell, causing damage to nonresidential infrastructure. One person was injured in this incident.

A Ceasefire in the Works — But Tensions Run High

This attack occurred just as Russia was set to implement a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s 1945 victory over Nazi Germany. The U.S. had also proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted, but Moscow has yet to agree to terms it finds acceptable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expects high-profile guests like Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the military parade on Red Square, is hoping for a smooth celebration. However, any attacks, such as the drone barrage that disrupted flights at Moscow’s airports on Tuesday, would be a public embarrassment for the Russian leadership.

Ongoing Drone Threats

As tensions mount, the Kremlin has yet to comment on the recent strike in Kyiv. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight, with Governor Alexander Bogomaz reporting the destruction of over 140 airborne targets in Russia’s Bryansk region.

In addition to Kyiv’s attack, drone incidents were also reported across Russia. In Tula and Yaroslavl regions, multiple drone attacks were thwarted by local air defenses. In Saransk, east of Moscow, authorities warned residents about the potential threat of drones and announced the temporary closure of schools, kindergartens, and universities. Social media posts also urged locals not to share images or videos of the drone strikes.

Looking Ahead: The Struggle Continues

As the war enters its third year, Ukraine remains resilient in the face of continuous Russian assaults, while the international community watches closely, hoping for peace but bracing for more violence. With the Kremlin pushing for its own ceasefire and Ukraine accepting the U.S. proposal, both sides are preparing for an ongoing struggle that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

Key Highlights:

• Two people killed, eight wounded, including four children, in missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
• Fires break out in residential buildings following drone debris impacts.
• Ukraine intercepts multiple Russian missiles and drones in various districts.
• Tensions high as Russia plans 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day; U.S. offers 30-day ceasefire proposal.
• Moscow claims to have thwarted Ukrainian drone attacks in several regions, including Bryansk and Saransk.

Source: AP News – A Russian missile and drone attack kills 2 people in Ukraine’s capital

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, the Kremlin confirmed on Sunday, marking yet another show of strengthening ties between Moscow and Beijing amid global tensions.

Xi is expected to join Russian President Vladimir Putin at the annual Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The visit underscores the growing partnership between the two leaders, who are also set to sign a series of bilateral agreements and hold talks on expanding their strategic cooperation.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

According to the Kremlin, the two heads of state will focus on enhancing their “comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction,” along with discussions on pressing international and regional issues.

This will be Xi’s third visit to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022. While China claims to remain neutral in the conflict, it has echoed Moscow’s claims that Western powers provoked the war. Beijing has also continued to supply critical components needed for Russia’s weapons production, drawing international scrutiny.

A Pattern of Partnership

Xi last visited Russia in September 2024 for a BRICS summit and earlier made a state visit in March 2023. Putin returned the gesture with his own trip to China in October. The two leaders have since met multiple times, most recently in Beijing in May 2024 and in Kazakhstan in July, showcasing their ongoing diplomatic alignment.

Since launching what it calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly reliant on China economically. As Western sanctions have isolated Moscow from much of the global market, China has stepped in as a vital trade partner. Russia now exports much of its energy to China and depends heavily on Chinese companies to supply high-tech components for its military industry.

Tensions Around Victory Day

The timing of Xi’s visit adds another layer of complexity, as security concerns loom over the Victory Day celebrations. On Saturday, Russia accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of threatening the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the event after he rejected a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire proposed by Moscow.

Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of visiting officials, cautioning that Russia might stage provocations and attempt to blame Kyiv.

Source: AP News – China’s Xi Jinping to pay official visit to Russia, alongside Victory Day celebrations

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