VLADIMIR Putin is preparing 8,000 troops, 50 warplanes and 3,000 pieces of military kit for war amid fears the US may invade North Korea.

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Russia held the massive combat readiness check of its Eastern Military District as global tensions continue to flare over the North Korea crisis.

The huge military drill took place in Russias eastern Transbaikal region around 3,000km (1,300miles) from its border with North Korea.

Putin fears the US may launch military action against the communist state after it tested another intercontinental ballistic missile last week.

The international community reacted with fury to the test, with the US accusing Russia of bearing unique and special responsibility for North Korea.

Now it appears the Russian President is preparing his eastern military for a conflict in the event it kicks off on the Korean peninsula.

TASS

A look inside the powerful Russian Army.

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5 Russia's soldiers prepare Russia's air defence system S-400 Triumf launch vehicles on August 13, 2014 in Elektrostal, Russia.

Putin made a similar move earlier this year when he sent soldiers to Russias border with North Korea in anticipation of a bust-up.

In a statement, the Russian Defence Ministry said: During the combat readiness check, the personnel of one of the motor-rifle units of the combined-arms army deployed to the Transbaikal region marched for 150 kilometers and crossed the Onon River.

During the march, Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters covered military hardware.

North Korea has ignored that entirely and escalated the situation in a one-sided way.

In a phone conversation with Trump today, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Russia to increase pressure on North Korea.

Speaking in Tokyo he said: "We have made consistent efforts to resolve the North Korean problem in a peaceful manner, but North Korea has ignored that entirely and escalated the situation in a one-sided way.

"The international community, starting with China and Russia, must take this obvious fact seriously and increase pressure."

AFP

Ghosts of the last time America went to war in Korea have been brought back to life through the work of a British electrician. The stunning pictures show ships lined up on the shore at the Battle of Inchon and troops boarding a plane ready for a drop behind enemy lines north of Pyongyang, Korea

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Relations between Moscow and Washington have frayed in recent weeks after the US slapped Russia with more sanctions.

In response, Russia has refused to rule out military action if Trump approves further sanctions.

To show off Russia's military might, Putin flaunted his sea power with a huge naval parade at the weekend.

Originally posted here:

Ready for WW3? Russia moves 8000 troops and 50 planes as Putin braces for North Korea war - Daily Star