In a commentary, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that Western countries are "working hard" to spread the flames of war from Europe to Asia.

The Group of Seven (G7) has been characterized as a "club of war" rather than an economic forum, according to a report by North Korean state-run media on Friday, which dismissed any notion that the G7 represents the international community.

In a commentary, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) referred to the G7 as a "war contractor group," asserting that any interference by the bloc in the Korean Peninsula signifies a military "expansion of NATO, the global war alliance."

This statement follows the G7 defense ministers' meeting held in Italy, marking the first of its kind. North Korea deemed the meeting “unfit for its mission and duty.”

The defense ministers convened last Saturday in Italy amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting included officials from the US, Germany, France, Canada, the UK, Italy, and Japan, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. It took place in Naples, a southern Italian city that hosts a NATO base.

In its commentary, KCNA accused Western nations of “working hard to make the flames of war in Europe spill over” into Asia, while claiming that the security of both continents is “inseparable.” The agency further criticized the G7 for “inciting” confrontation between different geopolitical camps by making “reckless remarks” that asserted the international security framework has been placed in greater danger by independent and sovereign states such as North Korea, Russia, and China.

The KCNA's reaction included a response to South Korea’s involvement in NATO summits and President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent phone call with Secretary General Rutte, discussing North Korea's cooperation with Russia. It accused Western countries, NATO member states, and G7 members, which are part of the US-led UN Command, of being “directly involved in war drills for aggression against” North Korea.

The UN Command oversees the armistice along the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas from the southern side of the border.

Earlier this week, President Yoon spoke with Rutte about allegations of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed or denied these claims; however, Russia labeled the reports as "fake" and exaggerated.

In a related development, the Russian parliament ratified a treaty with North Korea on Thursday, which elicited a sharp response from Seoul, expressing "grave concerns." In light of the growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, South Korea has indicated it is considering sending arms to Ukraine.