Pyongyang: North Korea on Saturday accused NATO of accelerating military preparations for future conflicts, claiming the alliance's planned expansion of its fuel supply network demonstrates its transformation into a more aggressive military bloc.

According to Anadolu Agency, a commentary carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) criticized NATO's reported plan to extend and modernize its military fuel transport system across Europe. This plan includes new pipelines and energy storage facilities connecting western Europe with newer eastern and northern member states.

The commentary claimed the project reflects NATO's focus on maintaining strategic war reserves and alleged the alliance is preparing for conflicts beyond Europe, including in the Asia-Pacific. The KCNA commentary suggested that NATO's actions indicate its interest in demonstrating military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly near the Korean peninsula.

Pyongyang also criticized NATO members' participation in multinational military exercises such as the Rim of the Pacific drills, asserting that this proves the alliance views the Asia-Pacific as a potential theater of war. The commentary alleged NATO's military buildup and logistical expansion are aimed at enabling rapid military operations worldwide, warning that such efforts would heighten global tensions.

NATO has consistently said its posture is defensive and intended to deter threats while ensuring the collective security of its member states.