Russian President Vladimir Putin has grown more reliant on China and Iran amid the Ukraine war. North Korea's Kim Jong Un is reportedly sending 3,000 troops to Russia, potentially aiding Russian efforts. The U.S. says these troops are training in Russia and may engage in combat. While Russia denies the reports, U.S. officials warn of their impact on Ukraine and global politics. Leaders of Brazil, Egypt, the UAE, and India, all U.S. partners in trade or security, joined Putin and Xi at the BRICS summit. As conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East intensify, maintaining neutrality is becoming increasingly difficult for these nations.