Putin addressed reports concerning the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia.

NBC News correspondent, referencing satellite images that indicate the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, questioned Putin about the soldiers' objectives and the likelihood of further escalation in the Ukrainian war.

"Images are serious things. If there are images, it means they reflect something," said Putin.

The President of Russia also noted that today the State Duma ratified a treaty on strategic partnership with North Korea. The treaty includes a provision on mutual military assistance. "We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously. But what and how we will do it is our business within the framework of this provision," the president emphasized.

In early October, the South Korean Ministry of Defense suggested that Pyongyang might send its soldiers to the combat zone in Ukraine. On October 18, South Korean intelligence reported that one and a half thousand North Korean soldiers were present at Russian training grounds in the Far East. According to sources from Western media, their numbers could increase.

On the final day of the BRICS summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also spoke to those gathered. He called for a swift resolution to all ongoing military conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, respecting the principles of the rule of law and the territorial integrity of all states.

Guterres stated the need for reforming the UN Security Council to ensure it "reflects the modern world." The UN Secretary-General characterized the lack of representation and voice for developing countries in the Security Council as unjust.

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