North Korea’s Kim Accuses US of Using Ukraine to Target Russia, Warns of Global Conflict
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States and its Western allies of exploiting the Ukrainian military as “shock troops” in a broader strategy to weaken Russia, warning that such actions could escalate into a global conflict. The remarks, reported by state media on Monday, come amid allegations of North Korea’s military involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to battalion commanders in Pyongyang, Kim claimed that Washington’s military support to Ukraine was part of a strategy to “expand the scope of their military interventions globally” and enhance their combat capabilities.
Kim warned that the U.S. and its allies’ actions could pave the way for World War III and pledged to bolster North Korea’s nuclear defense “without limit.”
Seoul and Washington have alleged that North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to assist Russia, with South Korean intelligence suggesting that some have already engaged in combat operations near Ukraine’s borders.
Pyongyang has denied these accusations, and Kim did not directly address them in his speech.
Experts, however, believe Kim is leveraging his support for Russia to secure advanced military technology and battlefield experience.
“Kim is likely considering additional deployments to support Russia’s war in Ukraine,” said Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Korea’s Korea Institute for National Unification.
Last week, North Korea and Russia formalized a landmark defense pact, underscoring their growing military alliance. The two nations, once Communist allies during the Cold War, have drawn closer amid rising tensions with the West.
The pact has raised concerns in Western capitals that Russia may provide North Korea with advanced technology, potentially accelerating Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons development.
North Korea’s missile activities have already intensified in recent months, with tests of multiple ballistic missiles, including a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile.
The allegations of North Korean troops supporting Russia have also prompted South Korea to reconsider its stance on supplying lethal aid to Ukraine. While Seoul has previously avoided such measures, officials have hinted at revisiting the policy in light of Pyongyang’s growing involvement in the conflict.
Kim’s remarks come at a time of escalating tensions as Western nations continue to provide military and economic assistance to Ukraine. North Korea’s increasing alignment with Russia could further complicate the geopolitical landscape, intensifying fears of a broader conflict.
The U.S. has yet to respond to Kim’s latest statements, but analysts warn that the growing nexus between Pyongyang and Moscow could pose significant challenges to international security.
