North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has condemned the joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, describing them as an "obvious expression of their will to provoke war" and a threat to regional peace and security. In response, Kim ordered a rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear weapons program and naval capabilities, underscoring the country's intent to strengthen its defense amid escalating tensions. During an inspection of his most advanced warship, which is being equipped with nuclear-capable systems, Kim reiterated his criticism of the drills. Meanwhile, Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, dismissed South Korea as a diplomatic partner, accusing Seoul of having a "dual personality" in its approach to the military exercises and rejecting peace overtures. The situation further deteriorated when South Korean troops fired over ten warning shots after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) while constructing a barrier. North Korea labeled the shots a "serious provocation" and warned of potential retaliation, raising concerns about uncontrollable tensions on the peninsula. South Korea confirmed the warning shots but reported no casualties from the incident. These developments come amid the annual large-scale US-South Korea joint military drills, which Pyongyang has consistently portrayed as rehearsals for invasion.