Kim Jong Un oversees nuclear drill, North Korea eyes Belarus alliance

The North Korean military conducted a "nuclear counterattack" simulation on Monday under the supervision of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, according to the state agency KCNA. These exercises utilized "very large missile launchers."

KCNA disclosed that Kim Jong Un lauded the "height and precision of the launch" of the missiles aimed at hitting a target 219 miles away.

On Saturday, KCNA also reported that North Korea had tested a warhead along with a new type of anti-aircraft missile. Additionally, a new air defense missile, Pyoljjj-1-2, was test-fired.

Following a meeting with a Belarusian delegation last week, North Korean officials declared their intention to enhance cooperation between the two nations. This move comes amidst Pyongyang's grievances over what it perceives to be the U.S.'s efforts to bolster "unlawful" sanctions against it.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, Yevgeny Shestakov, and his North Korean counterpart, Lim Chun Il, discussed bilateral cooperation last Thursday. According to KCNA, they explored potential avenues for cooperation across several domains, including the economy and culture, and deliberated ways to support each other on the international stage.

This visit marks a continuation of diplomatic engagements following Pyongyang's relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Another KCNA report highlighted criticism from Kim Son Gyong, Deputy Minister for International Organizations at the North Korean Foreign Ministry, towards Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the UN. According to usnews.com, Thomas-Greenfield, during her recent visit to South Korea and Japan, labeled the UN sanctions on North Korea as "unlawful."