North Korea accused NATO on Saturday of preparing for war by expanding military fuel infrastructure across Europe, saying the alliance’s plans show it is becoming a more aggressive military bloc.
– In a commentary carried by state media KCNA, North Korea criticised NATO’s Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme Plan, which it said would link a roughly 10,000-km (6,200-mile) fuel network in western Europe with newer member states in eastern and northern Europe.
– The KCNA commentary offered no evidence for its claims that the project was designed to support possible conflicts beyond Europe.
– NATO has said it is strengthening deterrence and defence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
– North Korea has denounced military cooperation between the United States, South Korea and other countries, including NATO members.
– North Korea and Russia have deepened military ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 that includes a mutual-defence commitment. North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk Region in 2024 to help Russian forces beat back a major incursion into the region by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing war.