N. Korea calls envisioned U.S. aid to Ukraine ‘hallucinogen’

North Korea on Wednesday called a U.S. aid package to war-torn Ukraine awaiting final approval a "hallucinogen," saying that such support cannot put a brake on Kiev's war with Russia. The statement by North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon-il came amid Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Moscow that has spawned speculation over their arms deal for Russia's use in the war. "The U.S. bill on additional military aid... is merely a hallucinogen that temporarily eases the fears of the Zelenski cabal that is driven to a corner day by day," Im said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency. Im claimed any military aid from the United States will not be able to halt the Russian military's fight to defend its sovereignty and safety. Late Tuesday (local time), the U.S. Senate passed the US$61 billion aid package for Kiev that now only awaits U.S. President Joe Biden's signature. Source: Yonhap News Agency