Russia has gathered 50,000 soldiers in the Kursk region, including North Korean troops. They are preparing for offensive actions, reports The New York Times. According to The New York Times, citing US and Ukrainian officials,

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia's strategic partnership agreement with North Korea was a sign of stability in the region. Putin said that it remained to be seen whether or not Russia would hold military drills with North Korea.

Russia has formed a strategic partnership with North Korea after President Putin signed a treaty that includes mutual defense provisions. The treaty, ratified by both houses of Russia’s parliament, follows a summit in Pyongyang between Putin and Kim Jong Un.