[Keilar:] This past weekend brought some ominous new signs from North Korea. CNN Correspondent, Will Ripley is following the latest developments from Hong Kong. Tell us the latest, Will.
[Will Ripley, Cnn International Correspondent:] Well, what we know is that the North Koreans, according to a source of mine, are not planning a launch, a long-range missile launch, right around Christmas. Because there's been a lot of speculation about that Christmas gift that Kim Jong-un promised. So what is the gift? A new hardline policy when it comes to dealing with the U.S.
[Ripley:] North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets with his military's top brass over the weekend, ordering them to bolster the overall armed forces of the country, discussing the sustained and accelerated development of military capability. CNN obtained new satellite images showing increased activity at this facility tied to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile program. Not one but two apparent engine tests, according to South Korea, at this known launch site, sparking speculation of a bigger test to come. But not so fast. Chances of a highly provocative launch like an ICBM or a nuclear test, very low, a source familiar with North Korea's position tells CNN. North Korea cryptically promised a Christmas gift for the U.S. if the year ended without a diplomatic breakthrough. The most likely Christmas gift from North Korea, the source says, a new hardline approach in dealing with the U.S. Negotiations seen as a waste of time. Kim taking a wait-and-see approach on dealing with President Trump. Perceived, the source says, as politically vulnerable as he moves into an election year.
[Trump:] He likes sending rockets up, doesn't he? That's why I call him Rocket Man.
[Ripley:] When President Trump revived his old nickname for Kim, North Korea returned the rhetorical fire, calling Trump's comments the dotage of a dotard, which means old, senile, lunatic. Former national security advisor John Bolton told AXIOS, President Trump's approach on North Korea has failed to slow Kim's nuclear program. Three face-to-face meetings in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Korean demilitarized zone yet Washington and Pyongyang remain deadlocked over sanctions and denuclearization. The source familiar with North Korea's position telling CNN, denuclearization is off the table and the bar to return to talks is significantly higher. On the week before Christmas, this appeal to Pyongyang from President Trump's point man on North Korea.
[Stephen Biegun, United States Special Representative For North Korea:] Let's get this done. We are here, and you know how to reach us.
[Ripley:] Last-ditch diplomacy hitting an all too familiar dead end. Just because North Korea is not planning to launch an ICBM around Christmas, my source says, doesn't mean that they won't do it in 2020, an election year for President Trump. The North Koreans keenly aware there's already a lot of pressure on the President, Brianna. Could they add to that pressure in the coming months after they analyze all the data from these recent tests? We'll just have to wait and see.
[Keilar:] All right, we'll be waiting with you. Will Ripley, thank you for that report. And coming up, Democrats renew their demands for more documents ahead of President Trump's impeachment trial. Will they get what they want?