Despots make a deal

Putin and Kim deal ratified as Ukraine attack is predicted

- CHRIS HUGHES

NORTH Korea has agreed a military aid pact with Russia, sparking fears that the country could officially join the war against Ukraine.

The mutual treaty comes at a time when 12,000 of Kim Jong-Un's troops are believed to have been deployed in support of Moscow's invasion.

As many as 50,000 soldiers from the two countries are believed to be preparing an assault on Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk region.

Russia ratified the treaty last week after it was signed by Kim and President Vladimir Putin in June.