Overview

• North Korea has sent more than 12,000 troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, with reports suggesting the number could rise significantly.
• Pyongyang is gaining valuable combat experience and advanced military technology from its alliance with Moscow, including hypersonic missile capabilities.
• The United States and South Korea have expressed concerns that North Korea's enhanced military capacity poses a growing threat to neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea.
• Russia and North Korea have deepened their military and diplomatic ties, with Moscow reportedly supplying Pyongyang with satellite and air defense technology in exchange for troops and munitions.
• The United Nations Security Council remains divided, with Russia blocking efforts to impose further sanctions on North Korea despite its missile tests and military escalation.