North Korea says will stand by Russia until 'victory' in Ukraine

North Korea pledges support to Russia in Ukraine conflict, deepening ties amid Western reports of troop deployment.

North Korea will stand by Russia until its "victory" in Ukraine, Pyongyang's Foreign Minister said in Moscow amid growing fears the reclusive country will enter the Ukraine conflict.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui made the statement after talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

She was in Moscow as the West claimed thousands of North Korean troops were in Russia and would possibly be used in Ukraine.

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"We repeat that we will always stand firmly by our Russian comrades until victory day," North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said, according to a Russian translation.

"We have no doubt whatsoever that under the wise leadership of the honourable Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will surely achieve a great victory in their sacred struggle to defend the sovereign rights and security of their state," she added.

Russia's Mr. Lavrov hailed the close ties between the two countries' armies and special services. Moscow signed a mutual defence pact with Pyongyang this summer.