Why does it necessarily signal desperation? If you were Putin and you could obtain some useful cannon fodder (probably for a relatively low price) why wouldn't you do it? Russia is a much bigger country and has a huge advantage in Artillery. They've been inflicting far more casualties on the Ukes who have a lot fewer men to spare. I don't think its Russia which is getting desperate.
” If you were Putin and you could obtain some useful cannon fodder (probably for a relatively low price) why wouldn’t you do it?”
Using Wagner mercenaries, convicts, and now North Koreans, I’d say they’re very conscious of the war talk in NATO capitals and all-over western media and saving the Russians in case NATO attacks. Can you say Great Patriotic War II?
Because you know there’s strings attached to any “aid”!
It may be a better price on oil exports but we may never know.