North Korea has reportedly deployed about 10,000 troops to Russia, intending for them to train and potentially engage in combat in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the conflict, according to Pentagon officials. The troops are believed to be heading towards the Kursk border region, where Russian forces are struggling against Ukrainian advances. This development raises concerns about increased pressure on Ukraine's military and escalates geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, affecting nations like Japan and Australia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that North Korean soldiers would be considered co-belligerents if they engage in combat, making them legitimate targets for U.S. forces. Austin is set to discuss this situation with South Korean officials in Washington, emphasizing the seriousness of the North Korean involvement. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the troop deployment as a dangerous expansion of Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.