North Korea slams ‘reckless’ Ukraine, South Korea

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – North Korea on Tuesday slammed “reckless” Ukraine and South Korea, warning any military provocation against nuclear-armed Pyongyang may lead to a “horrible situation,” state media reported, citing an official statement.

It would be “unimaginable for politicians and military experts in any big or small country in the world with their normal thinking to experience,” said Kim Yo Jong, senior official and sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The comments by the powerful sister of the North Korean leader come in the wake of claims made by South Korea that Pyongyang has transported at least 1,500 soldiers to Russia.

Seoul’s key ally, the US has refused to confirm South Korean claims while NATO has sought a “detailed briefing” over the issue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this month highlighted the deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea, pointing out that it had escalated from mere weapons transfers to the deployment of troops to fight alongside Russia.

Calling Ukrainian and South Korean officials as “lunatics,” Kim said: “Seoul and Kiev are exact counterparts in going about bagging and letting loose reckless remarks against nuclear weapons states at random without follow-up capability.”

“It seems to be a common feature of bad dogs bred by the US,” she added.

Seoul has warned of “phased measures” against military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

An official at the presidential office has said Seoul is considering “diplomatic, economic and military measures” which may signal end to South Korea’s policy of refraining from sending arms to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Kim said the investigation into a drone flight allegedly by South Korea over Pyongyang is still going on.

“The truth behind the despicable provocation of the ROK (South Korea) military gangsters will be analyzed further in detail,” said Kim.

“No one knows how our retaliation and revenge will be completed,” Kim warned.

North Korea found remains of a drone it said belonged to the South Korean military which had made flights over Pyongyang since Oct. 03.

Seoul has refused to confirm Pyongyang’s claims.

“The reckless infringement upon the sovereignty” of North Korea by South Korean “military gangsters is a hideous military provocation that can never be pardoned,” said Kim.