<h1>North Korea demands nuclear recognition and sanctions relief before resuming denuclearization talks with the U.S.</h1> North Korea's leadership rejects the United States' demands for complete denuclearization, insisting it must be recognized as a nuclear weapons state before resuming talks. A senior North Korean official acknowledged a personal rapport between the two countries' leaders but dismissed it as insufficient for meaningful negotiations. The official indicated that North Korea seeks substantial concessions, including sanctions relief and suspension of military exercises, in exchange for partial denuclearization. The prospect of renewed diplomacy remains uncertain, influenced by broader geopolitical factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S. trade negotiations. North Korea also criticized South Korea's government for its alliance with the U.S., further complicating inter-Korean relations. The possibility of future meetings depends on narrowing differences and the willingness of the U.S. administration to offer concessions.