Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran on Friday that follows similar pacts with China and North Korea. All three countries are adversaries of the United States, and Russia has used its ties with them to help blunt the impact of Western sanctions and boost its war effort in Ukraine.

North Korea is gaining crucial military experience and equipment by sending troops to Russia, a U.S. official warned the United Nations, making the regime a growing threat to neighboring countries.

There is mounting evidence from the battlefield, intelligence reports and testimonies of defectors that some North Korean soldiers are resorting to extreme measures as they support Russia's three-year war with Ukraine.

It has drawn in foreign support on both sides, with Western nations supplying weapons and financial aid to Kyiv while Russia turns to allies for reinforcements. What was expected to be a short campaign has turned into a long and costly conflict.

The North Korean authorities are increasingly concerned about the mental condition and moral state of soldiers sent on a military mission to Russia. According to information obtained by Daily NK, the soldiers are exhibiting signs of extreme fear,

The North Korean authorities are increasingly concerned about the mental and moral condition of soldiers sent on a military mission to Russia. According to information obtained by Daily NK, the soldiers are showing signs of extreme fear,