North Korea on Saturday accused NATO of accelerating military preparations for future conflicts, claiming the alliance’s planned expansion of its fuel supply network across Europe reflects a broader strategy to strengthen its global military capabilities.

In commentary published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang criticised reported plans to modernise and expand NATO’s military fuel transport infrastructure, including new pipelines and energy storage facilities linking western Europe with newer eastern and northern member states. North Korea alleged the project is designed to improve the alliance’s ability to sustain military operations during future conflicts.

More than 100 words into the statement, NATO was also accused of extending its strategic focus beyond Europe and increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. According to KCNA, the alliance has frequently deployed strategic assets to the region and participated in military activities near the Korean Peninsula in cooperation with countries that North Korea considers hostile.

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The commentary further criticised NATO members for taking part in multinational military exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills, claiming the alliance increasingly views the Asia-Pacific as a potential theatre for future military operations.

North Korea argued that NATO’s investment in military logistics, fuel infrastructure, and strategic reserves demonstrates preparations for rapid global military deployment rather than regional defence. It warned that such expansion could contribute to greater international instability and heightened geopolitical tensions.

The latest remarks follow previous criticism by Pyongyang of NATO’s growing engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific and its increasing cooperation with countries in the region.

NATO has consistently rejected such accusations, maintaining that its military posture is defensive in nature and focused on deterring threats while ensuring the collective security of its member states.

The exchange underscores continuing tensions between North Korea and Western allies as security dynamics in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific continue to evolve.