Russia is preparing to bring in as many as 12,000 North Korean laborers to staff its Shahed-style drone production lines, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The workers are expected to be deployed to the Alabuga factory in Tatarstan, which manufactures Russia’s domestically produced versions of Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones.
Russia plans to recruit 12,000 North Korean workers at Alabuga SEZ for Shahed drone production, deepening military cooperation against Ukraine, intelligence reports. https://t.co/m29QvBaSNh
— The Odessa Journal 🖋⚓ (@Odessa_Journal) November 14, 2025
HUR said the arrangement is being negotiated with Jihyang Technology Trade Company, a known front for Green Pine, the North Korean weapons-trading entity under U.S. sanctions since 2010.
The report highlights Russia’s increasing reliance on foreign labor — including coercion and trafficking — to sustain its war machine. Interpol is already investigating cases linked to Russian recruitment in Africa.
North Korean labor exports have long been associated with harsh, “slave-like” conditions. Ukrainian officials estimate that roughly 20,000 North Koreans were already working in Russian weapons factories this fall. In return, Moscow is helping Pyongyang upgrade its modern weapons capabilities.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
