North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has accused the United States and its allies of using Ukraine as “shock troops” against Russia, a strategy he claims risks igniting a global conflict, according to state-run media. His remarks reflect a deepening alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow, as well as escalating tensions between North Korea and the West.
Kim’s comments, made in a speech to battalion commanders and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), denounced the West’s military interventions and increasing support for Ukraine. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a vehicle for the West to enhance its military reach and combat experience.
Kim’s speech laid the blame for the escalating tensions squarely on the shoulders of the United States and NATO allies, claiming they are pushing the world toward the brink of war.
“The United States and its allies are leveraging Ukraine as a testing ground to expand their military interventions globally and increase their combat readiness,” Kim said, warning that such actions could lead to World War III. He criticized Washington’s military aid to Kyiv, describing it as a “provocation” that has far-reaching implications.
Seoul and Washington recently accused North Korea of deploying more than 10,000 troops to assist Russia in its fight against Ukraine. While Pyongyang has denied these allegations, analysts suggest Kim is eager to exchange troop support for advanced Russian technology, potentially boosting North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
Kim’s comments come in the wake of North Korea’s recent ratification of a landmark defense pact with Russia. The agreement formalizes months of closer military ties between the two nations, which were allies during the Cold War but have renewed their partnership amid increasing isolation from the West.
The defense pact has fueled speculation that Russia may provide North Korea with advanced military technology. Experts warn this could significantly enhance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program and its missile capabilities, posing a greater threat to regional and global security.
Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted, “Kim is likely keeping in mind the possibility of further deployments to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. This arrangement is mutually beneficial—Russia gains manpower, and North Korea gets access to valuable technology.”
Kim reiterated his commitment to expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, stating that his country would bolster its defensive capabilities “without limit” to counter what he called “U.S.-led threats.” He accused the United States of attempting to form an “Asian NATO” through closer military cooperation with South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s recent missile tests, including the launch of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), underscore its intent to develop weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The rapid advancement of its nuclear program has become a central concern for the international community.
“Kim’s aggressive rhetoric and military advancements highlight his strategic pivot toward aligning with Russia and China against the West,” said Hwang Ildo, a professor at South Korea’s National Diplomatic Academy. “This represents a new Cold War dynamic, with North Korea seeking to maximize its leverage on the global stage.”
Seoul’s stance on the Ukraine conflict has shifted as a result of North Korea’s actions. While South Korea has resisted calls to provide lethal aid to Kyiv, it has signaled a possible change in its no-provision policy.
This development reflects growing unease in Seoul over the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. South Korea’s leaders are increasingly concerned that Russian technology could accelerate the development of North Korea’s nuclear program, further destabilizing the region.
The situation has also complicated U.S.-South Korea relations. The two allies recently updated their nuclear deterrence strategies, a move Kim criticized as an attempt to militarize the Asia-Pacific region and escalate tensions.
Kim’s narrative positions North Korea as a staunch ally of Russia in its conflict with the West. His speech drew a direct line between the Ukraine war and broader global power struggles, suggesting that the United States is using the conflict as a proxy war to expand its influence.
“Kim is framing the Ukraine war as part of a larger strategy by the U.S. to dominate global affairs,” said Hong Min. “This messaging serves both to justify his own actions and to align North Korea more closely with Russia.”
The war in Ukraine has provided Kim with an opportunity to solidify North Korea’s position in an emerging anti-Western coalition. By supporting Russia, Pyongyang seeks to gain advanced military knowledge and reinforce its ties with key partners, including China.
The recent U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump win a second term, has introduced further uncertainty into the equation. Kim’s remarks mark his first direct criticism of the United States since Trump’s victory, signaling a potential shift in North Korea’s approach to Washington.
During Trump’s first presidency, Kim and Trump held three historic summits, but their diplomacy collapsed over disagreements regarding sanctions relief and denuclearization. While Trump’s return to power has sparked speculation about a possible resumption of talks, experts caution that the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly.
“Any return to summit-driven diplomacy is unlikely in the short term,” said Hwang Ildo. “The North Korean nuclear issue is now deeply intertwined with Russia’s war in Ukraine and the broader realignment of global powers.”
Kim’s accusations against the West and his deepening ties with Russia come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. The situation in Ukraine has already drawn in numerous international actors, and North Korea’s involvement raises the stakes further.
The West fears that Pyongyang’s support for Moscow could embolden both nations to pursue more aggressive policies. At the same time, Russia’s potential transfer of advanced technology to North Korea could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and complicate efforts to address the nuclear issue.
As the conflict in Ukraine grinds on, the international community faces a complex web of challenges. Kim’s warnings of a potential global conflict serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved.
This latest development underscores the interconnected nature of modern conflicts and the risks of escalation in an increasingly polarized world. The U.S. and its allies must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid a broader confrontation while addressing the growing threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and its alliance with Russia.
