Russians are betting that the new Trump presidency will conclude the war in a manner that is as satisfactory to their interests as possible. To this end, we need to interpret Moscow’s reinforced effort to conquer new territory in Ukraine and regain full control of the Kursk region in the Russian Federation. The involvement of the North Korean (DPRK) troops needs to be seen within this context as well.

The strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been strengthening over time. North Korea already provided Russia with a significant amount of ammunition, missiles, and other military equipment over the last few months of the war. Now, it has sent roughly 10,000 troops, according to Western sources.

Russia is expected to reciprocate now and in the future with upgraded military technology for both conventional and nuclear capabilities that North Korea strives for. Beyond military cooperation, the Russia-North Korea relationship entails a more comprehensive political alliance centered on the opposition to the American global agenda, which is again very important to........

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