Views: 14

North Korea says US military aid to Ukraine is an incredible mistake

North Korea, which is accused of illegally supplying weapons to Russia, said on Sunday that US military aid to Ukraine worth US$8 billion is an “incredible mistake” and playing with fire against nuclear-armed Russia.

Source: Reuters with reference to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)

Details: As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington, US President Joe Biden announced new aid to help Kyiv defend itself, including longer-range weapons that will increase the ability to strike Russia from safer distances.

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said that Washington was escalating the conflict in Ukraine and bringing the whole of Europe to the brink of nuclear war.

Quote from Kim Yo-jong in a statement published by KCNA: “The United States and the West should not dismiss or underestimate Russia’s serious warning.”

“Are the United States and the West really able to handle the consequences as they recklessly play with fire against Russia, which is a nuclear superpower?”

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons if the West allows long-range weapons to strike Russia.

The publication recalls that North Korea and Russia have dramatically improved their ties over the past year: their leaders have met twice and agreed on a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that includes mutual defence commitments.

The US stated that the DPRK has shipped at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since September last year, and Russia has fired missiles from these shipments into Ukraine.

However, both North Korea and Russia deny any illegal arms trade.