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North Korea in a sharp escalation of rhetoric, lashed out at the ongoing U.S.-South Korea military drills, accusing Washington of pushing the world toward a potential global conflict. Pyongyang issued a series of warnings on Sunday, claiming that the large-scale exercises could ignite a “third World War” and result in catastrophic consequences for both the U.S. and its allies.
North Korea’s foreign ministry released two statements over the weekend, condemning the joint military exercises as a “prelude to nuclear war” and branding the U.S. as a major disruptor of world peace. These drills, which are part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises, have drawn the ire of Pyongyang, with the regime denouncing them as provocative and reckless. Pyongyang interprets these drills as rehearsals for an invasion, warning that they could trigger a nuclear response.
North Korea’s foreign ministry further linked the U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia to an emerging global conflict, accusing Washington of fostering instability in multiple regions. “The U.S. is setting the stage for a third World War by provoking conflicts both in Europe and on the Korean Peninsula,” the statement said.
The response from North Korea reflects its growing concerns over the strengthening military ties between Washington and Seoul, which have intensified since South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol took office in 2022. Yoon has emphasized the importance of bolstering deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, further deepening cooperation with the U.S. These developments come as North Korea continues to advance its weapons program, underscoring the fragile security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.