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 criticized NATO’s Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme Plan, which it said would link a roughly 10,000-km fuel network in western Europe with newer member states in eastern and northern Europe. The commentary offered no evidence for its claim that the project was designed to support possible conflicts beyond Europe.
NATO has said it is strengthening deterrence and defense following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. North Korea has repeatedly denounced military cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and other countries, including NATO members.
North Korea and Russia have deepened their military ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 that includes a mutual-defense commitment. North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024 to help Russian forces repel a major incursion by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing war.
