The transfer of US-made F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine has sparked concerns of nuclear war between the United States and Russia, according to North Korea. In a statement released by Pyongyang’s Institute of International Studies and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), it was claimed that the decision to supply fighter planes to Ukraine is an “anti-peace act” that threatens regional stability.
The statement from the institute accused Washington of having a “sinister intention to bring a strategic defeat to Russia at any cost,” suggesting that the US is blocking peaceful solutions and pushing Europe into a potential nuclear war. North Korea has consistently blamed the US for instigating global crises and has refused to condemn Russia for its military operations in neighboring states.
Last week, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway announced their plan to donate F-16s to Ukraine. The move comes as Ukraine seeks to bolster its ongoing military offensive, which has so far failed to yield significant territorial gains. The US, however, did not join in on the donation, but the Pentagon confirmed that Ukrainians would begin training to fly the F-16s in Arizona starting in October. Kyiv has long expressed interest in acquiring F-16s, as well as long-range missiles and advanced air defense systems.
Russia has repeatedly voiced its concerns over Western weapons being supplied to Ukraine, arguing that such actions are increasing tensions and bringing NATO members closer to reaching open confrontation with Moscow. The transfer of F-16s to Ukraine is seen as a direct provocation from the perspective of Russia.
It is worth noting that Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu made an unexpected visit to Pyongyang last month, during which he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This meeting further highlighted the close ties between North Korea and Russia, as well as their common stance against the US and its actions in international conflicts.
As tensions continue to mount in Ukraine and surrounding regions, the donation of F-16s to Kyiv has added another layer to the complicated geopolitical landscape. The concerns expressed by North Korea regarding the potential for nuclear war highlight the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences of escalating military actions. The international community will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the developments in Eastern Europe and their implications for global security.
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