russia, north korea, surveillance, overseas workers, putin
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia on Sept. 13 last year, according to the Rodong Sinmun on Sept. 14, 2023. (Rodong Sinmun-News1)
North Korea began selecting workers and technicians in early March for reconstruction projects in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, including the Donbas region. These labor assignments, already agreed upon with Russia, appear designed to earn foreign currency while strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
A source in North Korea told Daily NK recently that the country is reviewing plans to send groups of 1,000–2,000 workers for Ukrainian reconstruction projects. Skilled construction workers and technicians would be deployed first, followed by additional workers as needed.
The preparations are being coordinated by overseas construction departments at the Ministry of Labor (representing the cabinet) and the Ministry of National Defense (representing the army), along with state security bodies including the Ministry of State Security. These organizations are reviewing candidate lists with plans to send more construction workers with overseas experience (70%) than soldiers (30%).
In addition to overseeing ideological training for workers bound overseas, the Ministry of State Security is engaged in technical discussions with Russia about managing North Korean workers on assignment. The two countries are coordinating operations to prevent disruptive behavior, including potential defections.
“We’ve already held deliberations on several issues with the Russians. The number of workers to be deployed, their working conditions, and the method of compensation have already been addressed in negotiations. We’ve been informed that the Russians view these ideas positively,” the source said.
Since approximately 150 North Korean workers dispatched in January 2024 are already engaged in reconstruction work in the Donbas area—rebuilding roads and buildings, including homes, schools, and businesses—North Korea sees few obstacles to sending more workers overseas.
While Russia and Ukraine have yet to agree to a ceasefire or peace treaty, and Ukraine could raise objections over territorial rights, North Korea reportedly views this not as an obstacle but as an opportunity. By sending workers preemptively, Pyongyang hopes to secure a claim on reconstruction projects in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
“Given international optics, North Korea will not officially send workers until a ceasefire has been reached. But unofficially, authorities are already proceeding quickly with health checks, intending to dispatch workers as soon as possible,” the source said.
North Korea Expects Food, Oil, and Materials from Russia
North Korea appears to believe that participation in reconstruction work will help address its economic challenges. Reports suggest that Russia, despite its own economic difficulties, has already promised material compensation in the form of food, oil, and industrial supplies in exchange for North Korean labor. Additional food would allow North Korea to issue more rations, while oil and industrial supplies would support North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s signature “20×10 regional development policy,” providing an opportunity to promote his “love of the people.”
Another motivation behind North Korea’s enthusiasm for Russian reconstruction projects is the need for foreign currency, which it can obtain by collecting “loyalty payments” from dispatched workers.
“Pyongyang will profit overall from the state share each worker is required to deduct from their earnings,” the source explained.
The “state share” refers to the foreign currency quota the North Korean government imposes on citizens working overseas. North Korea has recently doubled the required amount, forcing workers to spend long hours trying to meet their quotas.
North Korea has been sending substantial numbers of workers overseas despite U.N. Security Council Resolution 2375, which prohibits this practice. In February, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea sent thousands of workers to various parts of Russia last year.
Strengthening Relations with Russia
North Korea believes that participating in reconstruction work will reinforce its efforts to build a reputation as a “credible partner” in diplomatic relations. The ultimate goal appears to be using a stronger relationship with Russia to ease the pressure of international sanctions.
“Pyongyang views participation in the reconstruction efforts as a foreign policy initiative that strengthens a strategic diplomatic relationship and assists a fraternal country. Since Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, our position is that we are the obvious choice to carry out reconstruction,” the source explained.
North Korea is also working closely with Russia regarding the possibility of South Korea or other countries participating in reconstruction efforts.
“The Party is already emphasizing to the Russians that we have large numbers of trustworthy, diligent, and technically skilled workers. But in case South Korea becomes involved, the Party also plans to work with Russia to ensure that North and South Korean workers don’t cross paths,” the source said.
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