North Korea accuses NATO of preparing for war with expanded Europe fuel network

North Korea on Saturday accused NATO of preparing for future wars by expanding its military fuel infrastructure across Europe, claiming the alliance is becoming an increasingly aggressive military bloc.

In a commentary published by state-run KCNA, Pyongyang criticized NATO’s Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme, alleging that the project would connect a nearly 10,000-km fuel network in western Europe with newer member states in eastern and northern Europe.

The commentary did not provide evidence for its claim that the infrastructure is intended to support military conflicts beyond Europe. NATO has maintained that it is strengthening its deterrence and defense capabilities in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

North Korea has repeatedly condemned military cooperation between the United States, South Korea and their allies, including NATO members. Meanwhile, Pyongyang and Moscow have expanded defense ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024, which includes a mutual-defense clause.

According to estimates, North Korea deployed around 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024 to support Russian forces in repelling a major Ukrainian cross-border offensive during the ongoing war.