Kim Jong Un vows nuclear buildup, condemns U.S.-South Korea drills as ‘war provocation’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to accelerate the expansion of his country’s nuclear arsenal, denouncing ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint military drills as a direct threat to Pyongyang’s security.

Speaking in remarks published Tuesday by state media outlet KCNA, Kim called the exercises an “obvious expression of their will to provoke war” and accused Washington and Seoul of plotting aggression under the guise of defense.

“The situation requires that our nuclear armament be rapidly expanded to safeguard our sovereignty and survival,” Kim was quoted as saying.

The criticism comes as South Korea and the United States launched their 11-day annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise this week, which includes simulations of an upgraded response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities.

Officials in Seoul said the drills are similar in scale to last year’s but with adjustments: half of the 40 planned field training events have been postponed until September.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to lower tensions, citing the delays as part of an effort to create space for dialogue. However, analysts remain skeptical that Pyongyang will reciprocate.

North Korea has long branded the drills as rehearsals for invasion, frequently responding with missile launches and threats, while Seoul and Washington insist the maneuvers are strictly defensive in nature.