Putin confirms presence of North Korean troops in Russia amid security treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, responding to satellite images from South Korea's intelligence service. He confirmed the troops' presence and highlighted a newly ratified security treaty between Russia and North Korea. U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have indicated that North Korean troops may be preparing for deployment in Ukraine. Reports suggest that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers are being trained in Russia, with estimates of up to 12,000 personnel potentially arriving by December. South Korea's intelligence service has used facial-recognition technology to identify North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that his government may reconsider its policy on supplying weapons if North Korean troops are sent to Russia.