A North Korean military leader criticized the U.S. on Monday for its increasing military aid to Ukraine, reinforcing North Korea’s support for Russia, reported by KCNA.
Washington and Seoul express concerns over the North’s growing military ties with Russia, alleging violations of international law through arms trades meant for the Ukraine conflict. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these claims.
Last week, a new agreement was signed between Russia’s Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, promising mutual military support if either country faces aggression. This agreement, analysts suggest, could underpin arms exchanges and strengthen their anti-Western stance.
North Korean official Pak Jong Chon defended Russia’s right to retaliate, warning that U.S. actions could escalate into a major conflict. He responded to Pentagon statements that Ukraine might use U.S. weapons against Russian targets.
As Seoul’s foreign ministry reported, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan followed with a joint condemnation criticizing the North Korea-Russia military collaboration.
Reports from the Washington Post indicated that Russia may have recently received significant military supplies from North Korea. Further complicating regional dynamics, the U.S.’s top military officer suggested that the Russia-North Korea defence pact could strain China-North Korea relations.
Additionally, reports from South Korean TV network TV Chosun, cited by a government official, claimed that North Korea plans to send labour forces to Russian-occupied Ukraine for reconstruction, potentially as a means for the regime to generate revenue. South Korea’s foreign ministry has yet to comment on these claims.
