PYONGYANG, Dec. 19 (V7N)– North Korea has hailed its military alliance with Russia as a "very effective" countermeasure against the United States and its allies, dismissing criticism of growing ties between the two nations.

In a statement issued Thursday, North Korea's foreign ministry denounced a joint statement by the U.S., nine other nations, and the EU, accusing them of "distorting and slandering" the nature of the relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Accusations of Troop Deployment in Ukraine

While North Korea refrained from addressing allegations of its involvement in the Ukrainian war, U.S. and Ukrainian officials claim over 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia, particularly in the Kursk region. According to Ukraine's military, these forces have suffered heavy casualties.

Additionally, Pyongyang is said to have supplied over 10,000 containers of artillery rounds, anti-tank rockets, mechanized howitzers, and rocket launchers to Russia. Neither North Korea nor Russia has publicly acknowledged these claims.

Blaming the West

North Korea accused Washington and its allies of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine and destabilizing global security.

"The misguided acts of the U.S. and the West, persisting in their hegemony-oriented and adventuristic military policy, are the root cause of this crisis," a foreign ministry spokesperson stated.

Strengthened Military Ties with Russia

The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified since Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in June, where he and leader Kim Jong Un signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty that includes a mutual defense pact.

The alliance has faced growing scrutiny as concerns mount over North Korea's increasing involvement in the war and its implications for regionaland global stability.

END/WD/RH