North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his country’s “invariable” stance of securing national security through nuclear forces, calling nuclear readiness an “essential top-priority task.” During a meeting with nuclear scientists, he emphasized that nuclear weapons are the backbone of peace and deterrence, stressing the need to strengthen the nation’s “nuclear shield and sword.” Kim noted significant progress in developing nuclear capabilities, while reiterating that North Korea will never give up its nuclear arms, as its nuclear power status is enshrined in the constitution. Although Pyongyang remains open to talks with Washington, it rejects U.S. demands for denuclearization. Meanwhile, South Korea’s unification minister said North Korea is believed to possess up to 2,000 kg of highly enriched uranium and operates centrifuges at four sites to expand its stockpile.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250927000851315?section=nk/nk
