The deployment of approximately 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia to support the war in Ukraine has raised significant international concerns, particularly regarding potential exchanges of missile technology that could enhance North Korea's military capabilities. South Korean officials have condemned the move, asserting that it violates multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and could escalate tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. South Korea and the EU have expressed deep worries about the implications of Russia potentially providing advanced military technology to North Korea, which could threaten regional and global stability. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that this cooperation could lead to a broader conflict, potentially transforming the war into a global confrontation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the troop presence and highlighted the threat posed by North Korea's missile programs. The relationships between North Korea and Russia, recently solidified by a defense pact, have alarmed international observers, prompting discussions on enhanced security cooperation among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.