Russia intends to recruit 12,000 North Korean workers to work in drone factories

The Ukrainian military intelligence service (GUR) reported that Russia plans to attract 12,000 workers from North Korea by the end of the year to work in a Shahed/Gheran drone factory in Tatarstan. Discussions regarding this "import" of labor took place at the Russian foreign ministry, involving Russian officials and representatives of the North Korean Jihyang Technology Trade Company.

According to the contract details, North Korean workers will be paid $2.50 per hour and will have a work schedule of at least 12 hours a day. Relations between Russia and North Korea have strengthened since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and North Korea has previously sent soldiers to Russia to support the Russian army.