The United States has confirmed reports that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia to support their war against Ukraine.** White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that if North Korean troops are deployed against Ukraine, they will be considered legitimate targets, just like Russian troops. The US is closely communicating with allies and partners regarding the potential implications of this move and how they might respond. This development suggests that Russia may be growing increasingly desperate in its war against Ukraine, as Germany and Austria have also summoned North Korea's ambassadors. But what does this mean for the ongoing conflict, and how might it impact the region?