Washington: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has no intention of negotiating away his regime's nuclear weapons programs, according to a U.S. threat report released Tuesday. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) highlighted Pyongyang's desire for at least "tacit" recognition as a nuclear power while continuing to enhance its strategic weapons capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, presented by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, indicated that North Korea might be ready to carry out another nuclear test on short notice. The report also noted that North Korea is likely to continue intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests to strengthen its position in future negotiations.
The assessment comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump's openness to dialogue with Kim, focusing on reducing threats rather than a complete denuclearization of North Korea. The report emphasized Kim's belief that strategic weapons ensure regime security and national pride, posing threats to the U.S. and its allies, South Korea and Japan.
The report further revealed that Russia is increasingly supporting North Korea's nuclear status in exchange for its backing of Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine. Gabbard, speaking at the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, underscored North Korea's preparedness to conduct another nuclear test and its focus on enhancing ICBM capabilities.
The U.S. intelligence community expressed concerns over North Korea's deepening alignment with Russia, bolstered by a strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This treaty revives the Cold War-era military alliance between the two nations and includes military aid provisions.
Kim's partnership with Russia is reportedly providing financial, diplomatic, and defense benefits while reducing Pyongyang's reliance on Beijing. The advancing strategic weapons capabilities and increased revenue access are enabling Kim to pursue international recognition as a nuclear power, reduce U.S. military presence in the Korean Peninsula, and expand state control over the North's economy.
The report warned that North Korea could gain technical expertise from Russia, accelerating its weapons development efforts. Additionally, Kim is expected to threaten the use of force if U.S. and allied actions challenge the North's sovereignty or nuclear ambitions.
The possibility of Kim challenging the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the disputed maritime boundary with South Korea, was also raised. The report highlighted concerns over potential clashes along the NLL, as Pyongyang has previously disputed this boundary.
On Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, the report noted the strategic risks to the U.S., including unintended escalation, potential nuclear weapon use, and heightened insecurity among NATO allies. Gabbard also pointed out the intelligence community's concerns over collaboration among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea against U.S. interests, particularly in security and economic domains.