Kim Jong Un escalates tensions with South Korea, emphasizing North Korea's readiness to retaliate against perceived threats.

South Korea's spy agency said Friday that North Korea has dispatched troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine, a development that could bring a third country into the war and intensify a standoff between North Korea and the West.

Russia's president Vladimir Putin and North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un have signed a secret 'mutual aid agreement' for ammunition and missiles, as well as military personnel

During a meeting in Pyongyang in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked, in what was considered the two countries’ biggest defense deal since the end of the Cold War.

The first 1,500 troops arrive in Russia ahead of going to Ukraine, South Korea's spy agency has said.

South Korean intelligence agency estimates the North could send around 12,000 soldiers in total.

South Korean intelligence reports North Korea sent troops to support Russia in Ukraine, raising concerns of global conflict.