Pyongyang: On Sunday, September 29, North Korea sharply criticized the United States for its $8 billion military aid package to Ukraine, calling it an “incredible mistake” and accusing Washington of “playing with fire” against nuclear-armed Russia.
The criticism came after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the aid during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington. The package, which includes longer-range weapons, is intended to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and strike Russian forces from safer distances.
Kim Yo Jong’s Warning
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, issued a stern warning, accusing the U.S. of escalating the conflict in Ukraine and pushing Europe closer to the brink of nuclear war.
“The United States and the West should not dismiss or underestimate Russia’s serious warning,” Kim said in a statement released by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA.
“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?” Kim added. She called the decision to provide military aid to Ukraine a “dangerous and irresponsible gamble,” emphasizing that supporting Zelensky’s military efforts was “an incredible mistake and a foolish act.”
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North Korea’s Alleged Role in Supplying Russia
North Korea itself has been accused of illegally supplying weapons to Russia. Over the past year, ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened significantly, with the leaders of both nations meeting twice and forging a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that includes mutual defense commitments.
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The U.S. has reported that North Korea has shipped at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since September last year. It is also claimed that Russia has used these North Korean-supplied weapons to launch missile attacks on Ukraine.
