North Korea says it would no longer be bound by the half-century long armistice treaty, which ended the Korean War, criticizing the annual South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise, which began Monday.

The North Korea People’s Army spokesman based in the joint security area of Panmunjeom released a statement saying that North Korea considers the Ulchi Focus Lens exercise in violation of the armistice.

He went on to say that as a result the North will take the necessary military measures to protect its security and sovereignty.

He added that no one can warrant that the joint drill will not turn into an actual war.