Overview

• State media reported that Kim told a parliamentary session he would sit down with the United States if Washington abandons calls for North Korean denuclearization.
• He declared North Korea will never relinquish its nuclear arsenal, invoking the dangers he sees for countries that disarm.
• Kim said he has good personal memories of President Donald Trump, who has indicated a willingness this year to reengage with Pyongyang.
• He dismissed talks with South Korea, stating there is no reason to negotiate and that the North will not deal with Seoul in any form.
• He asserted sanctions have failed and strengthened North Korea’s endurance, as the country deepens cooperation with Russia through a mutual defense pact and reported troop deployments and arms transfers linked to the war in Ukraine.