The recently signed mutual defense treaty could be used to justify thewidening of the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. says North Korean and Russian troops are already battling Ukrainian forces.

South Korean and US intelligence services have confirmed the participation of North Korean soldiers in hostilities in Russia, particularly in Kursk Oblast. Source: ISW Details: South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported on 13 November that North Korean troops were participating in hostilities in Russia,

A week after Ukrainian soldiers clashed with North Korean troops for the first time, 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are expected to target Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region of Russia in an effort to reclaim some of its territory.