At the closing session of the summit, Putin was asked about the latest reports and satellite photos of North Korean troops on ships in Vladivostok, Russia. Intelligence reports in the US claimed that approximately 3,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia and began military exercises and training. When asked whether the reports were true, Putin refused to either confirm or deny them. Associated Press reported.

“Images are a serious thing, if there are images then they reflect something,” Putin said. replied When asked if the pictures were indeed of North Korean troops in his country.

Many officials believe North Korean troops are in Russia to prepare to enter the war in Ukraine on Russia’s behalf. It’s a feeling and a concern Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin shared this week.

“We are seeing evidence of North Korean troops moving into Russia,” Austin said. in question. “Exactly what they do will have to be seen.”

“We’ll continue to address this issue and see what happens here,” Austin said. in question. “If they are fighting jointly, if their intention is to join this war on behalf of Russia, this is a very, very serious issue.”

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby he also suggested that Pyongyang’s troops might be preparing to enter the war. However, he said that he was not ready to agree with the idea, but that it was quite possible.

“We don’t know yet whether these soldiers will go into battle alongside the Russian army,” Kirby said. in question. “But this is certainly an extremely worrying possibility.”

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There still remains a veil of mystery regarding the cooperation of the armies of the two countries in the Russian Far East. Putin has done little to ease concerns about the potential for North Korean troops to enter the country Ukrainian By touting a new “strategic partnership” agreement between North Korea and Russia based on mutual military assistance on the last day of the summit, Associated Press reported. However, the Russian President remained silent on military plans.

“We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously,” Putin said. “What and how we will do within the framework of this article (of the agreement) is our business.”