Russia denied claims of military cooperation with the DPRK, opposing accusations brought forth by the United States. 

On Friday, in a news conference, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejected all such claims and accused the US of fabricating the narrative to get South Korea's backing in the Ukrainian-Russian war. 

Zakharova said South Korea started contemplating sending aid to Ukraine after rumors of cooperation with the DPRK had circulated, and that the US has two purposes in spreading these rumors: First, to obtain missing aid for Ukraine, and second, to establish a military base in the Asia Pacific. 

She asserted, "Russia has the right to develop friendly relations with North Korea. Cooperation with this country has long-standing historical roots, does not threaten the security of neighboring states, and is time-tested."

Read more: DPRK FM says Pyongyang 'ready to greet' Putin

Russia slams NATO, Sweden

Moreover, she addressed the reliance on NATO forces to conduct military exercises by the Russian border, calling it provocative, but affirming that Russia does not intend to counter-attack the participating countries. 

However, she did warn against these actions, saying they could cause unnecessary military incidents and escalate tensions, putting Europe at risk of consequences. 

Addressing Sweden's accession to NATO, Russia claimed it would destabilize North Europe and the Baltic, and threaten its own security, as it is joining a bloc that has been hostile and aggressive toward Moscow despite having long-term military non-alignment policies with the coalition. 

She ascertained that Russia would take the necessary steps against Sweden post-accession, relative to what NATO forces are deployed within the border country.

Is Sweden prepared? 

Sweden had anticipated the consequences of joining NATO. A few weeks ago, Foreign Minister, Tobias Billstrom, stated at the Folk och Forsvar National Conference in Salen, that his country's expected membership in NATO is " the biggest change in Swedish security policy in more than 200 years." 

Billstrom showed severe concern that "Russia will constitute a serious threat to the security of Sweden and Europe for the foreseeable future," and emphasized that Sweden should be ready for a "drawn-out confrontation".

Defense Minister Pal Jonson declared that Ukraine is acting as Europe's shield in the conflict, with Russia showing concern that the war might also come to Sweden. 

Read more: Hungary backs new NATO expansion: Orban