Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Andrey Rudenko, stated that North Korea intends to bolster its military capabilities in response to pressure from the United States and South Korea. He outlined this in an interview for DEA News, framing it as a strategic reaction to what Moscow sees as intensified sanctions and coercive diplomacy against Pyongyang.
Rudenko indicated that Pyongyang also plans to launch its first military satellite, signaling a push to advance defensive and strategic technology in the face of external scrutiny.
He described the measures to enhance military strength as an essential response to unprecedented sanctions and strong pressure on Pyongyang by Washington and Seoul, stressing that these actions are necessary to preserve national security and political autonomy.
The diplomat also argued that attempts to compel the DPRK to disarm unilaterally do not align with the 2018 agreements, which envisaged a stepwise denuclearization of the peninsula paired with concrete security guarantees for Pyongyang. Rudenko underscored that any progress would require a balanced framework that ensures security for the North while addressing denuclearization concerns.
Reflecting on leadership statements, former North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has long linked a robust national military with the country’s prosperity. The overarching message is that economic development is inseparable from a strong defense, a view echoed by officials who emphasize the connection between national security and long-term growth.