North Korea condemned new US sanctions targeting its cybercrimes, claiming they finance its nuclear program. This escalation highlights ongoing tensions and the challenges of diplomatic engagement.

In response to the latest US sanctions targeting its cyber activities, North Korea has issued a statement denouncing what it calls Washington's 'wicked' hostility. The US Department of the Treasury recently imposed sanctions on eight individuals and two firms, accusing them of laundering money obtained through cybercrime, which allegedly supports North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The Treasury claims that North Korea has stolen over $3 billion in digital assets through state-sponsored hacking in recent years. Despite these sanctions, which come as US President Trump expresses interest in reviving talks, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has distanced himself from diplomatic engagement since the collapse of negotiations in 2019. Instead, he has shifted focus towards strengthening ties with Russia, providing military support amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The North Korean vice foreign minister stated that the country will respond to US pressure with patience, asserting that sanctions will not alter its strategic position.