Thousands of North Koreans are forced to work in Russia due to a labor shortage that has emerged in the country as a result of its war in Ukraine. The conditions in which these people work are described as slave-like, a BBC investigation confirms, referencing data from 'Glaicom'.
According to the investigation, the Russian side is utilizing North Korean labor to solve its own tasks. Forced workers admitted that working conditions are extremely harsh, and the control over them is excessively strict.
"Waking up and realizing that you have to live the same day over and over again was terrible"
Workers are forced to work long hours without the opportunity to rest, sleep in unsanitary conditions, and are constantly monitored by agents of the North Korean state security. There have been cases where victims were unable to receive help after injuries.
Support for Military-Technical Cooperation between Russia and North Korea
The investigation also recorded an increase in military-technical cooperation between Russia and North Korea, within which various types of weapons, including missile armaments and combat aircraft, are transferred.
Cooperation in military technology is becoming increasingly intensive, and such actions may constitute a violation of UN sanctions. This complicates relations between Russia and the international community and poses a threat to international security.
The Ukrainian publication 'Glaicom' reported on thousands of North Koreans who are forced to work in Russia under slave-like conditions due to a labor shortage in the country. The working conditions and control over workers are so strict that they describe their situation as terrible. In addition, the study showed an increase in military-technical cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which may compromise international security and lead to violations of UN sanctions.