President Vladimir Putin said  on Friday that it is entirely Russia's decision whether to utilize North Korean troops. He emphasized that if Ukraine aims to join NATO, Moscow will take necessary actions to ensure its security.

The United States reported earlier this week that North Korea has dispatched around 3,000 troops to Russia for potential deployment in Ukraine, which the West views as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

According to Ukraine's military intelligence, the first North Korean units trained in Russia have already been deployed to the Kursk region, near the Russian border, where Ukrainian forces made territorial gains in August.

"When we have to decide something, we will decide... but it is our sovereign decision whether we will apply it or not, and whether we need it," Putin told Russian state television. "This is our business."

Putin remarked that the West has often stated that Ukraine should determine how it ensures its security—whether with NATO support or otherwise. He added, "The sooner they realize the futility of such an approach in relations with Russia, the better it will be for everyone, and perhaps, above all, for themselves."

During Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Article 4 of this agreement stipulates that if one party faces an armed attack, the other party will provide military and other assistance using all available means.

Putin did not deny U.S. allegations regarding the troop deployment on Thursday, stating that it is up to Russia to manage its mutual defense obligations with North Korea. He accused the West of contributing to the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

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