Asian allies look to boost US weapons purchases as Biden makes bid for Ukraine

(Originally published Nov. 11 in “What in the World“) Russia is preparing to deploy North Korean troops as part of a counter-offensive against Ukrainian forces in Kursk province.

The 10,000 North Korean troops will serve as light infantry, and Western officials say they will likely suffer devastating losses from Ukrainian artillery and drones once the assault begins. It isn’t yet clear, however, whether Pyongyang has authorized Russia to use its troops inside Ukraine.

Russian forces are meanwhile launching nightly air raids of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities. To make sure Ukraine has access to parts and repairs for its U.S.-made weapons, U.S. President Joe Biden has agreed to let U.S. defense companies send employees to Ukraine to service their products there, including Patriot missile batteries and F-16 fighter jets. Biden plans to try to convince President-elect Donald Trump when they meet Wednesday not to follow through on his campaign promise to cut military aid to Ukraine.

Taiwan, worried that Trump will take it to task for relying on the U.S. to defend it from China, is weighing a shopping spree of U.S. weaponry. Taipei wants F-35 fighters and more Patriot missiles, and is considering even buying an Aegis-class destroyer to demonstrate that it’s willing to shoulder a greater share of the burden for its own defense. The Philippines, also worried about China, is considering buying a U.S.-made Typhon medium-range missile launcher.

And Israel continues its airstrikes in Gaza and in Lebanon.