The first group of North Korean troops have been sent to the Russian region of Kursk where some have tried to desert, according to reports. Ukraine launched an incursion into the Russian region on August 6 and Putin is said to be planning to use the North Korean soldiers in his fight to recapture territory.

The U.S. government said it had evidence that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers were being trained in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin did not deny U.S. claims that North Korea had sent troops to Russia but said on Thursday it is up to Moscow how to run its mutual defence clause with Pyongyang and accused the West of escalating the Ukraine war.

Signs are mounting that North Korean soldiers are fighting on Russia's side in Ukraine. Kyiv is already talking about a new war party. In what ways could heightened North Korean-Russian ties affect the war?

President Vladimir Putin, asked about reports that North Korea had sent thousands of troops to Russia, said on Thursday that it was Moscow's business how to implement a partnership treaty with Pyongyang.

If there are images they are a reflection of something,’ he said in a tongue-in-cheek answer to whether Pyongyang had sent troops to help with Russia’s war in Ukraine.

This week Russian President Vladimir Putin stood on a stage with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The war in Ukraine has brought Putin closer to both countries, and more dependent on them.

Seoul "will not stand by but respond firmly in collaboration with the international community," South Korea said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deny the report on the deployment of North Korean troops, saying, "It is up to us to do what and how we will do with

Russian lawmakers have ratified a pact with North Korea envisioning mutual military assistance, a move that comes even as the U.S. confirmed the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia