North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has conducted inspections of missile facilities to assess their preparedness for “strategic deterrence” operations, while labeling U.S. nuclear capabilities as an escalating threat to his nation, according to state media reports on Wednesday.

He stated that the U.S. strategic nuclear arsenal represents an “ever-increasing threat” to North Korea’s security landscape, necessitating that Pyongyang uphold a robust counteraction strategy for its nuclear forces, as reported by KCNA.

In response to international sanctions, North Korea has intensified its development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, while also strengthening military ties with Russia. Kim’s inspection of the missile bases occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions with South Korea and its allies, which includes concerns regarding the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to Russia for combat in Ukraine—a claim that has been refuted by Pyongyang.

South Korea’s National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and Jacek Siewiera, the head of the Polish National Security Bureau, voiced their concerns regarding North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia during their meeting in Seoul. They also reached a consensus on the importance of working closely with the international community to address this issue, as stated by South Korea’s presidential office.

In a report by KCNA, Kim emphasized the need for modernizing the armed forces, prioritizing strategic missiles as a key element of the national defense strategy.

Accompanying him on this visit were his influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, and Kim Jong Sik, the first vice department director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to KCNA. Images released by KCNA depicted Kim in a leather coat while inspecting missile facilities. The specific timing of these visits was not disclosed by KCNA.