The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has condemned the United States for imposing what it called “unilateral and hostile” sanctions, warning that such measures will not alter Pyongyang’s stance or strategic position.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the statement was issued Thursday by Kim Un Chol, Vice Minister for U.S. Affairs at the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry. Kim criticized Washington for enforcing its fifth round of sanctions since the current U.S. administration took office.

“Recently, the new U.S. administration has imposed its exclusive sanctions on the DPRK, the fifth of their kind since its assumption of office,” Kim said, describing the move as proof of America’s “invariable hostile intention” toward North Korea.

He emphasized that the U.S. actions would have “no effect” on the DPRK’s position. “The United States needs to pay attention to the fact that there is no possibility for it to change the present strategic situation between the two countries in its favor, no matter how Washington may mobilize all its sanctions,” Kim stated.

The vice minister accused Washington of clinging to outdated policies of confrontation and reiterated that Pyongyang would not yield to external pressure. “Now that the present U.S. administration has clarified its stand to be hostile towards the DPRK to the last, we will also take proper measures to counter it with patience for any length of time,” he warned.

The latest sanctions target individuals and entities accused by the U.S. of supporting North Korea’s weapons development programs and alleged cyber activities. Pyongyang, however, maintains that such measures are illegal and politically motivated, insisting that the DPRK has the sovereign right to strengthen its defense capabilities in response to U.S. military threats.

The renewed exchange of criticism underscores the continued tensions between Washington and Pyongyang, with diplomatic engagement between the two sides remaining largely frozen since the collapse of nuclear talks in 2019. (ILKHA)