North Korea Accelerates Nuclear Weapons Development

North Korea has announced an acceleration of its nuclear weapons program in response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies, following a recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. During a UN Security Council meeting, North Korean envoy Kim Song asserted that the country views itself as a 'responsible nuclear weapon state' and dismissed international condemnation as unlawful. The missile, identified as the Hwasong-19, was launched just days before the meeting and reached altitudes over 7,000 kilometers, demonstrating enhanced capabilities. The US and its allies condemned the missile launch as a violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and expressed concern over North Korea's military collaboration with Russia. Kim emphasized that North Korea's military doctrine is a necessary counter to US-South Korea military exercises, which he claims threaten the North's security. Meanwhile, US officials accused China and Russia of shielding North Korea from repercussions, enabling its continued missile advancements.