North Korea says NATO fuel plan shows alliance preparing for war

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 criticised NATO's Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme Plan, which it said would link a roughly 10,000-km (6,200-mile) fuel network in western Europe with newer member states in eastern and northern Europe.

The KCNA commentary offered no evidence ⁠for ⁠its claims that the project was designed to support possible conflicts beyond Europe. NATO has said it is strengthening deterrence and defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. North Korea has denounced military ⁠cooperation between the United States, South Korea and other countries, including NATO members.

North Korea and Russia have deepened military ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024 ⁠that includes ‌a ‌mutual-defence commitment. North Korea sent ⁠an estimated 14,000 troops ‌to Russia's Kursk Region in 2024 to help Russian ⁠forces beat back a ⁠major incursion into the region ⁠by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing war.