Russia's parliament ratifies treaty with North Korea

Russian lawmakers have approved a pact to strengthen military ties with North Korea. The move comes after the US confirmed the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to Russia.

Members of Russia's lower house of parliament voted Thursday to accept the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Members of the upper house are expected to follow. President Vladimir Putin signed the deal in June along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

They agreed to provide "all means" of military assistance if either country is attacked. At a news conference on Thursday, Putin said: "We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously. But what we will do and how we will do it is our business."