The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has reshaped alliances and heightened global tensions.
As battles rage on, the conflict has drawn in support and criticism from nations around the world.
Some countries stand firmly with Ukraine, offering military aid and humanitarian assistance.
Others, like North Korea, have chosen to bolster Russia’s efforts in the fight. This has created new fault lines in global geopolitics.
North Korea has come under fire for its growing involvement in the conflict, a move condemned by the United States and its allies.
This week, the isolated nation fired back at critics, calling their accusations baseless and inflammatory, according to Digi24.
North Korea Denounces Criticism
North Korea dismissed accusations of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine as “irresponsible provocations.”
A statement from Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry, published by KCNA, claimed that a joint declaration issued earlier this week was an attempt to distort its “normal cooperation” with Moscow.
On Monday, 10 nations, including the U.S., Japan, and the U.K., along with the European Union, issued a strong condemnation of North Korea’s role in aiding Russia.
They called the partnership “a dangerous escalation” with severe implications for security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The coalition urged North Korea to cease its involvement and withdraw any troops deployed in support of Russia.
In response, a spokesperson for North Korea accused the West of spreading “madness” over Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Moscow.
The statement argued that their collaboration serves to counter what they see as “the malicious expansion of Western influence.”
While North Korea did not explicitly confirm troop deployments, reports suggest thousands of its soldiers have joined Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian troops have regained significant territory there, leading to intense clashes. According to a U.S. military official, hundreds of North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in combat.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, its partnership with North Korea has grown closer. A defense pact between the two nations, signed in June, took effect earlier this month.
Despite international condemnation, North Korea vowed to continue its support, stating it would “firmly defend” its sovereignty and remain committed to “regional and global peace.”
