Victor Cha, an expert on North Korea, joins Maria Snegubaya, a specialist in Eurasia, Mark Kantsian, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, and Dennis Wilder, a U.S.-China relations scholar. They dive into North Korea's decision to send troops to Russia, exploring strategic incentives for both nations. The conversation reveals how this alliance could shape the battlefield in Ukraine and discusses China’s calculated stance on this evolving geopolitical landscape. They also address the implications of Russia's oil economy navigating sanctions and the potential risks of military collaboration.