North Korea has accused NATO of preparing for war by expanding its military fuel infrastructure across Europe, saying the plan shows the alliance is becoming a more aggressive military bloc. The accusation came in a commentary carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The commentary criticized NATO's plan to renew its fuel supply infrastructure. According to KCNA, the proposed fuel network would be roughly 10,000 km long and would link western Europe with newer eastern and northern NATO member states. The plan reportedly includes new pipelines and energy storage facilities.
Length of the proposed NATO fuel network, according to North Korea's KCNA commentary.
NATO has said it is strengthening deterrence and defense after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The alliance maintains that its posture is defensive and intended to deter threats while ensuring the collective security of its member states. The KCNA commentary did not offer evidence for its claim that the fuel project was designed to support possible conflicts outside Europe.
North Korea also condemned military cooperation between the United States, South Korea and other countries, including NATO members. This follows deepened military ties between North Korea and Russia since they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in June 2024, which includes a mutual defense obligation. In 2024, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region to help repel a large incursion by Ukrainian forces.
The commentary accused NATO of 'adventurous muscle flexing in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula' and claimed NATO has talked about the inseparability of security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It also alleged NATO is more frequently introducing strategic assets of its member states into the region.
Pyongyang criticized NATO members' participation in multinational military exercises such as the Rim of the Pacific drills, saying this proves the alliance views the Asia-Pacific as a potential theater of war. The commentary alleged NATO's military buildup and logistical expansion are aimed at enabling rapid military operations worldwide and warned that such efforts would heighten global tensions.