North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his country will ultimately triumph in what he called an “anti-imperialist, anti-U.S.” struggle, as Pyongyang marked the 71st anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
Speaking during a visit to a war museum, Kim vowed that North Korea would continue building a strong army and a prosperous state, describing victory as inevitable.
The anniversary, observed each year on July 27, is known in North Korea as Victory Day. It commemorates the signing of the 1953 armistice that halted the Korean War.
While the truce ended the fighting, no peace treaty was ever signed, leaving the peninsula in a state of technical war to this day.’ ‘
In South Korea, the date passes largely without official recognition, but in the North, it remains a cornerstone of nationalist sentiment.
Kim’s visit included stops at several monuments, including the Tower of Friendship, which honours Chinese soldiers who fought alongside North Korea. He also spent time with artillery units to boost morale, state media reported.
The remarks come at a time of increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. South Korean officials say Pyongyang has already sent thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region and supplied munitions for use in the war in Ukraine. More deployments are believed to be planned.
Kim’s statement underscored his continued focus on military strength and confrontation with the West. It also signalled growing alignment with Moscow, as both countries face international isolation and sanctions.
While Washington and Seoul have yet to comment on the speech, both have intensified military exercises and defence cooperation in recent months in response to North Korea’s expanding weapons programmes.
Kim’s defiant tone reflects a regime that continues to prioritise military power and ideological resistance over engagement or reform.
