North Korea Rejects Nuclear Talks, Cites Closer Ties with Russia

North Korea has declared that it will not give up its nuclear weapons program, dismissing any future talks with the United States as meaningless if Washington continues to demand denuclearization. The statement came from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, through state media KCNA. She emphasized that although the personal relationship between Kim and  U.S. President Donald Trump was “not bad,” such ties would not influence North Korea’s nuclear stance.

Kim Yo Jong warned the U.S. against clinging to past summit expectations and urged it to recognize the changed geopolitical environment. She said the country's nuclear capabilities have strengthened, and North Korea now considers itself a legitimate nuclear power. According to her, any denial of this new reality will be "thoroughly rejected."

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This marks a firm departure from the 2018 Singapore and 2019 Hanoi summits, where Kim and Trump attempted to forge a path toward denuclearization. Talks ultimately collapsed over disagreements on lifting international sanctions. Despite these setbacks, Trump continues to describe his relationship with Kim as “great” and is reportedly open to future communication.

A White House official reiterated that Trump remains committed to the goal of denuclearizing North Korea, but the regime has made it clear that the era of negotiation under those terms is over.

Alongside its rejection of nuclear negotiations, North Korea is deepening its relationship with Russia. KCNA confirmed that the first direct passenger flight between Pyongyang and Moscow in decades has resumed. This flight is a symbol of the growing cooperation between the two countries, which has accelerated during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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North Korea has reportedly provided troops and arms to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, Western officials believe Moscow has offered technological assistance to Pyongyang, which may be helping the North advance its missile or weapons development.

This partnership has raised concerns among the United States and its allies, who view it as a serious threat to regional and global stability. The U.S. has criticized both countries for this cooperation, suggesting it undermines international sanctions and security norms.

KCNA described the resumed flights as a reflection of “daily-growing” exchanges between the two nations. The move also signals a strategic shift by North Korea, reinforcing its alliances with anti-Western powers while rejecting diplomacy with the U.S.

The developments underscore a more assertive and isolated North Korea, one that is unwilling to compromise on its nuclear ambitions and increasingly aligned with Russia in a changing global power dynami

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