Ukraine announces that 11,000 North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russia, indicating the Kremlin's growing dependence on totalitarian regimes.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov says North Korea has deployed 11,000 troops in support of Russia in the war in Ukraine, part of a 50,000-strong special force. This involvement suggests a growing Russian dependence on authoritarian regimes and problems with mobilizing its own forces. Intelligence suggests that Pyongyang could send even more troops and equipment to Russia, which could significantly strengthen Russian operations on the Ukrainian front.