Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deny evidence recently presented by the United States that North Korea had sent troops to Russia but also accused NATO of escalating the war in Ukraine first at a press conference on Thursday.

The first group of North Korean troops have been sent to the Russian region of Kursk where some have tried to desert, according to reports. Ukraine launched an incursion into the Russian region on August 6 and Putin is said to be planning to use the North Korean soldiers in his fight to recapture territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin played coy about whether troops from North Korea were in Russia during a question and answer session after the conclusion of the BRICS Summit on Thursday. During the closing session of the summit,