The U.S. State Department confirms reports that up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Historically, this is one of the first instances of an Asian army engaging in military operations in Europe. The partnership not only strengthens the Russian military with North Korean troops but also signifies a broader alliance among authoritarian regimes. As the West hesitates in its support for Ukraine, experts warn that this alliance could reshape global dynamics and further threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty.