As North Korean military capabilities steadily advance, some have argued that the war in Ukraine means the world shouldn’t be surprised when the DPRK restarts military conflict with South Korea.

Military specialists told NK News that senior Pyongyang officials are likely watching the situation in Ukraine closely for lessons on what could happen in the event Kim Jong Un orders his forces into the South.

That’s because the Ukraine-Russia and South-North Korean conflicts have important similarities — a nuclear weapon imbalance, authoritarian versus democratic leadership and a shared culture and history. All of these factors would play a significant role