North Korea Calls US Military Aid to Ukraine an ‘Incredible Mistake,’ According to Reuters

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea has condemned the recent $8 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, calling it “an incredible mistake” and warning that it could provoke further tensions with nuclear-armed Russia.

The announcement of the aid came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, where he sought support to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities, including acquiring longer-range weaponry for safer strikes against Russian targets.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized the U.S., claiming it is escalating the conflict in Ukraine and pushing Europe toward the brink of nuclear war. In a statement reported by state media, she emphasized that the U.S. and its allies should heed Russia’s warnings.

“Are the United States and the West really prepared to face the consequences of their reckless actions against Russia, a nuclear superpower?” Kim questioned.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously declared that he would consider any missile attack against Russia, especially if supported by a nuclear-armed country, as a joint offensive that could warrant a nuclear response.

Kim described U.S. support for Ukraine as a dangerous gamble, labeling the military assistance as a “foolish act.”

As a senior figure in North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, Kim often articulates the North’s stance on key political and security issues, a role believed to be sanctioned by her brother.

In recent months, North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their relations, with their leaders meeting twice and establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that includes commitments to mutual defense.

The U.S. has reported that North Korea has supplied at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since September of last year, with some of those munitions being used in Ukraine. Both North Korea and Russia have dismissed allegations of illegal arms trading.