Published on: 2026-04-30
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is beginning the implementation of a new five-year plan for the development of its 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 the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.
According to her, at the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, held in February, an intention was announced to create “new secret arsenals and strategic systems,” including intercontinental ballistic missiles based on land and underwater platforms.
Testing and capacity building
During 2025 and in early 2026, the KND continued to conduct tests of various types of weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, long-range strategic cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles.
Only in the past month, DiCarlo noted, ballistic missiles with so-called cluster and high-explosive fragmentation warheads have been tested. Furthermore, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recorded a “very significant increase” in the capabilities for producing fissile materials (substances whose nuclei split, causing a chain reaction) at a nuclear facility in Yongbyon.
These steps are accompanied by statements from the leadership of the CWC about the intention to continue modernizing the nuclear arsenal and expanding the means of weapons delivery.
Violation of international obligations
“The development of the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions remains a matter of serious concern,” Dicarlo emphasized.
According to her, such actions undermine the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, includingTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The UN again calls on Pyongyang to fulfill its international obligations, cooperate with the IAEA, and join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
DiCarlo reminded that the sanctions regime of the Security Council remains in effect, despite the termination of the experts group’s mandate in 2024. She emphasized that all states are obliged to comply with the existing sanctions in their relations with the DPRK.
Risk 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 miscalculations is growing.
“The only way to permanently reduce tension and dispel these fears is to achieve a stable peace, as well as a complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” she said.
In the conclusion, the UN Deputy Secretary-General noted that dialogue and diplomacy must play a key role in resolving the situation. “We welcome any efforts in this direction,” said DiCarlo.
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