This is a true "historical turning point" that could have significant consequences for global security worldwide.
Such an opinion was expressed by Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary General, in Politico. Last week, representatives from South Korea informed NATO allies and Indo-Pacific partners about the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops in the Kursk region to participate in combat actions against Ukraine.
The deployment of DPRK troops in Russia illustrates how desperation drives Moscow to seek support from other authoritarian nations, particularly China, Iran, and North Korea. Putin is actively leveraging Chinese assistance to bolster the economy, acquiring Iranian drones for his forces, and now attracting North Korean munitions and troops, highlighting Russia's acute dependence on external allies. According to Rutte, this signals the need for even greater unity among NATO countries and their partners.
Allies have repeatedly emphasized the necessity of strengthening defense ties with partners in Asia. NATO leaders stress that supporting Ukraine is vital for global security, as the conflict affects more than just the European region. NATO's defense expenditures to support Ukraine represent a small fraction of the total military budget of Alliance countries, yet they are crucial for ensuring peace and stability. The question, Rutte notes, is whether countries around the world are willing to make this contribution to achieve peace.
The NATO Secretary General highlighted that Alliance countries have already provided Ukraine with a significant portion of weaponry and plan to deliver an additional 40 billion euros in military aid by the end of the year.
Source: politico.