The United States’ continued provision of weaponry to Ukraine, seemingly disregarding Russia’s warnings, has been viewed by Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korea’s leader, as a dangerous gamble that could trigger a “nuclear disaster.” This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin and leader Kim Jong-un signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June, with an agreement to assist each other in case of foreign aggression. Additionally, Putin mentioned at the time the possibility of developing military cooperation with North Korea due to Western countries supplying advanced weapons to Ukraine.
In a press statement released on Sunday, Kim Yo-jong claimed that the United States’ additional military support for Ukraine would lead to a nuclear disaster for the world. She criticized US President Joe Biden’s decision earlier this week to supply Kiev with nearly $8 billion worth of military aid as “foolish.” According to the North Korean official, this latest development will only serve to prolong the conflict in Ukraine and encourage further adventurous military action on the part of Kiev.
Addressing US leadership, Kim Yo-jong suggested that they should remove Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky from power, whom she described as a “foolish and silly guy.” She warned that calamity is inevitable unless the “insanity” of Zelensky is stopped.
The North Korean official emphasized that the US and the West should not ignore or underestimate Russia’s stern warnings. This appears to be an indirect reference to President Putin recently speaking about the need to update Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. During a meeting of the national security council on Wednesday, the Russian leader suggested that the list of criteria justifying a nuclear strike should include a “massive” missile or air strike launched by another state against Russia, or its closest ally, Belarus. He clarified that the weapons used in a potential attack could range from ballistic or cruise missiles to strategic aircraft and drones.
Aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state… supported by a nuclear power should be treated as their joint attack,” Putin added, without specifying when exactly the changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine will take effect.