North Korea Joins Ukraine War: What Does It Mean?

North Korea is sending thousands of troops, including elite forces, to support Russia in the Ukraine war. This move suggests that Russia is running low on soldiers and supplies. The war has already claimed many Russian lives, and now, North Korea is stepping in with significant reinforcements. These troops could help Russia regain momentum in the conflict. However, there are broader implications too. Russia might be helping North Korea develop long-range missiles, which could carry nuclear weapons. This is a shift from Russia's usual stance against nuclear proliferation. China and Iran have also been assisting Russia, but in different ways. North Korea has a history of sending troops to support allies, but this deployment is much larger than previous ones. The troops' effectiveness and motivation are uncertain, as they may not speak Russian and their salaries could be seized by the North Korean government. The U. S. has warned that these troops will be considered legitimate targets if they enter the battlefield. Ukrainians are trying to persuade these troops to defect, promising them good treatment. The war is taking unpredictable turns, and this new development adds to the complexity.