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Why North Korea would go to war for Russia

North Korean troops recently came under fire in Russia's Kursk region. The skirmish means that North Korea has officially joined the war, Ukrainian officials said. Ties between Russia and North Korea entered a new phase earlier this year when Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a new mutual defense agreement.

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Why North Korea would go to war for Russia
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    A GROWING ALLIANCE

    North Korea experts told BI the military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang was a win-win for both countries. But on a practical level, they also spoke of the logistical difficulties of combining two militaries.

    Russia is passing on deadly drone techniques to North Korea, Ukrainian official tells BI

    Russia is passing on deadly drone techniques to North Korea, Ukrainian official tells BI

    ASIA’S RESPONSE

    Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shaken the precarious balance of power in East Asia. South Korea recently said it was mulling sending weapons to Ukraine, which experts told BI could significantly help — but it has long been reluctant to aid in the conflict.

    WESTERN ALLIES AND NATO

    Western allies have options to react to the threat of North Korean troops in Russia, but are hamstrung by fears of escalation, military experts told BI.

    What can the West do about North Korea giving troops to Russia? Not much it hasn't already flinched from.

    What can the West do about North Korea giving troops to Russia? Not much it hasn't already flinched from.

    NATO and Western allies are facing pressure to respond — but have historically been hesitant. Experts criticized a lack of decisive Western strategy in countering the threat.

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