North Korea’s Kim Urges Troops to Prepare ‘for Real War’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called on his military forces to be fully prepared “for real war”, during an observed artillery firing contest, according to reports by Pyongyang’s state media on Thursday.

Kim’s Call for Combat Readiness

Kim’s stern directive to his troops came as he oversaw a live-fire artillery drill, where soldiers launched shells into the sea. The location of the exercise, which took place on Wednesday, was not disclosed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Footage aired by Korea Central Television (KCTV) showed Kim at an observation post, using binoculars and accompanied by two senior military officials.

In his address, Kim urged the artillery units to maintain combat readiness at “anytime”, and be capable of “destroying the enemy in every battle”, underlining the emphasis on real-time warfare preparedness.

Deepening Ties with Russia

This show of force and rhetoric comes amidst reports of increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

South Korean and Western intelligence sources have confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops and military hardware in support of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. These actions signal a substantial military alliance between the two heavily sanctioned nations.

Strategic Alignment and Defence Pact

In earlier diplomatic exchanges, Kim Jong Un publicly pledged full support to Moscow, reaffirmed during recent talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Additionally, a mutual defence agreement was signed last year during a rare state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang, strengthening the axis between Moscow and Pyongyang. The pact included provisions for military cooperation and joint defence, further elevating concerns in the West over growing alignment between the two authoritarian regimes.

Kim’s latest remarks highlight his continued focus on militarisation and geopolitical alignment with Russia, as tensions on the Korean Peninsula and beyond remain high.