North Korean official criticizes US for expanding aid to Ukraine

Pak Jong Chon, one of North Korea's top military officials, said Russia "reserves the right to choose any form of retaliatory attack", adding that if the US continues to expand military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, it could trigger a stronger response from Moscow as well as trigger a "new world war".

He was referring to the Pentagon's comments last week that Ukrainian forces could use US-supplied weapons to attack Russian forces anywhere across the border into Russia.

Pak Jong Chon's comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang last week, during which the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement to enhance military cooperation, including a mutual defense commitment to provide mutual support in the event of aggression against either side.

Mr Kim Jong Un said the agreement would expand cooperation in the political, economic and defence fields, calling it "completely peace- loving and defence-oriented" and adding: "The relationship between our two countries has been raised to a new level."

The Kremlin also noted that the new document will comply with all the basic principles of international law, will not be confrontational or directed against any country and will be aimed at ensuring greater stability in Northeast Asia.

Meanwhile, analysts say the treaty will set a framework for arms trade between the two countries. Moscow and Pyongyang deny any arms transfers.

Ngoc Anh (according to KCNA, Reuters)