Russia Seeks 12,000 north Korean Workers for Drone Manufacturing Amidst ukraine Conflict
Russia is reportedly attempting to recruit 12,000 North Korean laborers to bolster its drone production capabilities as its war in Ukraine continues. This move comes as Moscow faces increasing challenges in maintaining its military supplies and seeks option sources of manpower.
The initiative highlights Russia’s growing reliance on North Korea for military support, a partnership that has deepened since a September 2023 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Beyond labor, North Korea has already supplied Russia with substantial quantities of artillery shells and hundreds of artillery systems, multiple-launched missile systems, and missiles. This escalating collaboration raises concerns about potential violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which impose restrictions on both countries.
Intelligence reports indicate that North Korean military units are already present in Ukraine, with Kim Jong Un publicly acknowledging the “heroics” of North korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. Estimates suggest thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed, though with notable casualties - a rocket attack near Donetsk in October 2024 reportedly killed at least 20 North Korean soldiers, including six officers.
The proposed influx of workers is specifically aimed at increasing Russia’s production of drones,crucial for reconnaissance and attack operations in Ukraine. This reliance on foreign labor underscores the strain on Russia’s domestic workforce and its difficulty in meeting the demands of a protracted conflict. The move also raises ethical concerns regarding the potential exploitation of North Korean workers, who may be subjected to harsh conditions and limited freedoms.
