Russia’s ties to North Korea, Iran and China “threaten peace” around the world, NATO chief Mark Rutte has said.

At a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, the secretary general said Russia was continuing its “attack on Ukraine”, while “moving ever closer to its allies – China, Iran and North Korea.”

“After delivering munitions and missiles, North Korea has now sent troops to fight and die alongside Russia in its illegal war,” he said.

“In return, Russia is providing North Korea with financing and missile technology. This is very concerning.

“These missiles pose a direct threat to the American continent, Europe, the Indo-Pacific region and the broader Euro-Atlantic area.”

Rutte said Ukrainians are injured and killed every day by “Iranian-supplied” Shahed drones.

“At the same time, China supports the Russian economy, strengthens its defense industry and amplifies its discourse on the world stage,” he added.

“Russia’s collaboration with North Korea, Iran and China not only threatens Europe, it threatens peace and security, yes, here in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and in North America.”

He added that support for Ukraine must continue as “Ukraine prepares for what could be its harshest winter since 2022.”