In recent months, Russia’s war in Ukraine has increasingly relied on military support from nations like Iran, North Korea, and China, as Vladimir Putin’s regime faces mounting pressure due to international sanctions and a faltering military campaign. This coalition of authoritarian states has contributed weapons, technology, and potentially even manpower, creating a complex geopolitical scenario that could escalate into a broader conflict.
Iran, for example, has reportedly provided Russia with hundreds of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, drones, and artillery shells. The Iranian Shahed drones, already notorious for their use in Ukraine, have been so crucial to Russia that Moscow has agreed to set up a drone production facility in Russia. This cooperation is further highlighted by recent agreements allowing Iran to receive advanced Russian fighter jets, helicopters, and other military equipment. Such collaborations mark a significant shift in the military dynamics of both nations, as Iran benefits from Russia’s desperation to maintain its war effort, while also cementing its own military advancements with Russian support.
North Korea has also played an increasing role, supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles used to strike Ukrainian cities. Western intelligence reports suggest that North Korean combat troops may even be deployed to support Russian operations in Ukraine. This would represent a major escalation, showing how the Ukraine war is transforming into a proxy conflict involving multiple nations.
China’s involvement, while more restrained, cannot be ignored. Beijing has conducted joint military drills with Russia, and although it has not provided direct military aid (that we know of), it has continued to engage economically and diplomatically with Moscow, helping to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions. China’s growing ties with Russia create a formidable axis, and while China has tried to balance its relations, the risk of it being drawn into a larger conflict remains.
Together, these developments point to the formation of a new “axis of autocracies” — Russia, Iran, North Korea, and potentially China — all working together against the West and Ukraine. This increasing military cooperation not only prolongs the war in Ukraine but also raises the possibility of the conflict expanding beyond its borders. Russia has been conducting joint military exercises with other nations like Indonesia, signaling its intent to expand its military partnerships.
Adding to this volatile mix is the amplification of Russian narratives by extremist, particularly far-right, media outlets in the West. These outlets, along with social media platforms—primarily X (formerly Twitter)—play a significant role in spreading Russia’s propaganda. Russian-affiliated accounts and sympathetic influencers use these platforms to distort the nature of the war, promote anti-Ukrainian sentiment, and sow division within Western democracies. Misinformation and disinformation, especially on platforms like X, help foster distrust in Ukraine’s efforts, weaken support for Western intervention, and amplify narratives that favor Russian geopolitical aims. This digital battleground serves as an extension of Russia’s broader campaign to fracture opposition and sustain its military ambitions through a global influence strategy.
All of this suggests that the Ukraine war may be only a precursor to a much larger global conflict. Putin’s decision to reach out to nations like Iran, North Korea, and China is not just a strategic alignment; it is also a clear sign of desperation. With Russia’s economy under strain from sanctions and its military struggling to achieve its objectives, Putin has turned to these authoritarian allies for vital support. This reliance underscores Russia’s weakening position and the lengths Putin is willing to go to sustain his war effort. By forming these alliances and expanding military cooperation with countries on the periphery of global power, Putin hopes to bolster his campaign in Ukraine, but in doing so, he risks igniting a broader conflict. Should these alliances deepen, the world could be pushed closer to a new global war, driven not only by shared authoritarian ambitions but also by Putin’s increasingly precarious position on the world stage.