Kremlin says Russia can provide military support to North Korea ‘if necessary’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia can provide military assistance to North Korea under the strategic partnership deal signed between the two countries late last year.

“We have our own agreement in effect, and, according to this agreement, the parties, in fact, have undertaken to provide significant assistance to each other if necessary,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Peskov said the participation of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s efforts to retake control over the border region of Kursk demonstrated the effectiveness of the strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries in November of last year.

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia expects a signal from Ukraine concerning the resumption of direct talks but has not seen any action in this regard.

He went on to deny any new talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, but said they could be quickly agreed upon if necessary.