he Russia-Ukraine war has become a battleground not just for territorial control but for humanity’s future, drawing actors from around the world into a high-stakes struggle to reshape the global balance of power. The new “Axis of Evil” continues to escalate as North Korean soldiers join the fray, exposing the folly of the Biden administration’s policy of “escalation management.” 

Meanwhile, the Western world dithers. Ukraine, outgunned and outmanned, fights to hold the line against waves of Russian and North Korean troops. As democratic policymakers continue to lack urgency in helping Ukraine, the pressing question remains: Will the forces of democracy muster the will to prevail, or will authoritarian powers succeed in carving the world into  spheres of influence? 

North Korean soldiers are now fighting for Russia on European soil. Russia is desperately seeking reinforcements for its offensive to reclaim Ukrainian-controlled parts of Kursk Oblast. At the same time, North Korea capitalizes on the moment to secure support from Russia for its broader ambitions to destabilize East Asia. 

Together, the Russians and North Koreans have amassed 50,000 troops for their counteroffensive against the Ukrainian army in Kursk. Russia desperately needs more manpower. As of October 2024, U.S. defense officials  estimated that Russian forces had suffered over 600,000 casualties, including both killed and wounded.