Pyongyang is reportedly sending thousands of its soldiers to fight against Ukraine. Most of them have never been abroad before — and even traveling to Russia could make them realize North Korea is desperately poor.

North Korean troops have begun engaging in combat operations alongside Russian forces, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday, expressing concern that Russia had turned to North Korea for soldiers to fight in its war with Ukraine.

Pyongyang is reportedly sending thousands of its soldiers to fight against Ukraine. Most of them have never been abroad before — and even traveling to Russia could make them realize North Korea is desperately poor.

The presence of North Korean soldiers alongside Russians fighting Ukraine raises many tactical and military questions, leading some analysts to wonder about their effectiveness and ultimate objectives.