Russia Says It Will Deepen Ties With North Korea, Doesn't Confirm Letter Exchange

Russia said on August 31 that it intended to develop ties with North Korea, while not confirming a statement by the White House that Russian President Vladimir Putin had exchanged letters with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The United States said on August 30 that it was concerned that arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea were advancing actively and said Putin and Kim had written to each other pledging to increase their cooperation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not answer directly when asked by reporters if the letter exchange had taken place. To read the original story by Reuters, click here.