Moscow – Putin on North Korean Troops in Russia

President Vladimir Putin stated that it is Russia's prerogative to decide on the use of North Korean troops. He asserted that if Ukraine aspires to join NATO, Russia will act accordingly to safeguard its security.

The U.S. reported evidence that North Korea has dispatched 3,000 troops to Russia, signaling a potential escalation in the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine's military intelligence indicated that North Korean units trained in Russia have already been deployed to the Kursk region, where recent Ukrainian advances occurred.

Putin emphasized, "When we have to decide something, we will decide… but it is our sovereign decision whether we will apply it, whether we will not, whether we need it. This is our business."

He remarked that the West maintains it is up to Ukraine how to secure itself—"with or without NATO." He urged the West to recognize the futility of their approach toward Russia, suggesting that understanding this would benefit all parties involved.

In June, during a visit to Pyongyang, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un forged a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes mutual defense commitments. Article 4 of this agreement stipulates that if either party faces an armed attack, the other will provide military assistance.

On Thursday, while not denying the U.S. claims of troop deployments, Putin reiterated Russia's autonomy in managing its defense agreement with North Korea and criticized the West for escalating the conflict in Ukraine.