North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lauded his troops for their role in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, characterizing their efforts as an “invincible alliance” with Moscow. In a New Year’s message, he praised soldiers fighting abroad and hinted at increased overseas military actions, while analysts suggest that this partnership provides crucial economic and military support to North Korea, allowing Kim to resist U.S. and South Korean diplomatic overtures. Reports indicate that North Korean forces face dire conditions on the battlefield, with some troops reportedly ordered to commit suicide rather than be captured. This evolving alliance underlines a significant geopolitical shift and poses challenges for regional security dynamics, particularly concerning India’s defense strategy in response to heightened military collaboration between North Korea and Russia.