UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe Security Council meeting on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council met for a meeting on the DPRK nuclear program Peace and Security
This year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea begins implementing a new five-year plan for the development of the armed forces for the period 2026–2030. At the same time, the development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs remains a serious challenge to international security. This was stated by UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking at a meeting of the Security Council on Thursday.
According to her, during the Ninth Congress of the DPRK Workers’ Party, held in February, the intention to create “new secret arsenals and strategic systems” was announced, including ground- and submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Testing and build-up potential
Throughout 2025 and early 2026, the DPRK continued to test various types of weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range strategic cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. high-explosive fragmentation warheads. In addition, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recorded a “very significant increase” in the ability to produce fissile materials (substances whose nuclei fission, causing a chain reaction) at the Yongbyon nuclear facility. weapons.
Violation of international obligations
“The development of the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic programs in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions remains a matter of serious concern,” DiCarlo emphasized. (NPT).
The UN once again calls on Pyongyang to comply with international obligations, cooperate with the IAEA and accede to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
DiCarlo recalled that the Security Council sanctions regime remains in force, despite the termination of the mandate of the group of experts in 2024 She stressed that all states are obliged to comply with existing sanctions in their relations with the DPRK.
Risks of escalation
The Deputy Secretary-General noted that the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense: military activity is increasing, opportunities for dialogue are limited, and the risk of miscalculation is increasing.
“The only way to permanently reduce tensions and dispel these fears – is to achieve sustainable peace and complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” – she said.
B conclusion the deputy head of the UN noted that dialogue and diplomacy should play a key role in resolving the situation. “We welcome any efforts in this direction,” – said DiCarlo.