Russian lawmakers have ratified a pact with North Korea that envisions mutual military assistance, following the confirmation of the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia by the United States.
The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, swiftly voted to endorse the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty signed by President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader King Jong Un during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June. The upper house is expected to ratify the pact soon.
