Pyongyang: North Korea considers NATO's decision to modernize and expand its military fuel infrastructure as revealing an acceleration in its war preparations and a strengthening of its offensive capabilities. The North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "The plan includes modernizing a pipeline network built during the Cold War, spanning approximately 10,000 kilometers, and connecting it to new member states in Eastern and Northern Europe, along with the construction of new lines, storage facilities, and the upgrading of existing infrastructure."

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the North Korean Foreign Ministry highlighted that the approval of this plan, despite internal disagreements within the alliance regarding its high cost, underscores the priority given to establishing strategic fuel reserves to ensure its ability to wage war. The statement also pointed out NATO's expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing its intensified cooperation with Washington's allies and military activities near the Korean Peninsula. This includes Germany, Italy, and other countries' participation in the RIMPAC naval exercises.

North Korea concluded that these developments highlight the necessity for countries opposing military alliances to continue strengthening their defense capabilities.