the wealth from national resources\SOE has been diverted from kleptocracy to the war effort (and only in partial effect as the russian defense minister was just recently fired). it was a mistake to think the kleptocrats would revolt; first of all , they are already incredibly wealthy, and secondly, they want to remain alive.

the stench of desperation with putin+kim is so immense, trump must be dreaming about the type of scam he would be able to pull with these 2.
(well, putin still terrifies don, so there is that)
foreign nationals are fighting for russia in numbers far larger than for ukraine; some have been scammed while others have been sent 'voluntarily' by other authoritarian gov agencies. if arriving numbers are too big, this sham should fall apart.

let's not forget, NK could not get putin to pick up the phone for decades, as far more serious trade was to be had with SK, the Kims' arch enemy. SK is tracking every single arms shipment to&from NK, and updating allies. putin+kim are also seeing if agreements can get them any leverage over china, so there is also that entertainment if xi wants to put either in their place.

with friends like these, choose the enemas.