SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia's strategic partnership agreement with North Korea was a sign of stability in the region. Putin said that it remained to be seen whether or not Russia would hold military drills with North Korea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a treaty on the country's strategic partnership with North Korea which includes a mutual defense provision, according to a decree published Saturday

Amidst Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, North Korea’s support underscores an emerging, loose alliance with China, Iran, and Russia that challenges global stability. North Korea’s supply of arms and troops,