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.

Russia has formed a strategic partnership with North Korea after President Putin signed a treaty that includes mutual defense provisions. The treaty, ratified by both houses of Russia’s parliament, follows a summit in Pyongyang between Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Nearly all would raise their hands to go, ex-military defectors explain, owing to regime loyalty, promise of higher status and a glimpse of the outside world.