What to know about the Russia-North Korea alliance

The US has confirmed that North Korea has deployed troops to Russia, a significant development that could aid the Kremlin's forces in the war in Ukraine. This deployment is a sign of a strengthening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, two of the US's staunchest foes. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment, but the US is still trying to determine its purpose. Austin warned that if North Korea intends to be a co-belligerent in Russia's war in Ukraine, it would be a "very serious issue". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that at least 10,000 North Korean troops would soon join Russia in its war against Ukraine. The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has strengthened amid their shared animosity toward democratic values. Russia needs additional munitions to strike targets in Ukraine, while North Korea needs food imports, access to newer technologies, and avenues to the world financial system to evade Western sanctions. The Russia-North Korea partnership significantly complicates US foreign policy, making it harder for the US to wield sanctions against Pyongyang. The alliance may bolster Kim's confidence, leading to more provocations against South Korea and Japan. The partnership is part of a wider anti-West coalition that's coalesced around Russia's invasion of Ukraine, also involving Iran and China.