North Korea planning to send thousands of its citizens to work at Russia’s defense enterprises – intelligence

North Korea is planning to send thousands of its citizens to work at Russian defense enterprises as well as in construction. The first group of one thousand workers for construction projects has already arrived in Kursk region.

This was reported in an interview with Ukrinform by Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.

“North Korea is now planning to send thousands of specialists to Russia to gain experience — not only in the defense-industrial complex but also to assist in construction and other industrial sectors. For example, when we talk about 6,000 North Korean specialists working in Kursk region, that is a significant number. We know for certain that over a thousand workers have already arrived,” Skibitsky said.

He added that they are involved in road repairs, engineering fortifications for defensive lines in Kursk region.

In addition, North Korean workers are being sent to gain experience at enterprises that produce ammunition and weapons, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and drones.

According to Skibitsky, Ukrainian intelligence has information about the recruitment of foreign citizens to work at enterprises in the Yelabuga zone.

“We have data on the recruitment of foreign citizens to work at Russian enterprises, specifically in the Yelabuga zone. There, Russia is expanding its production. While they once started with around a thousand employees, they now plan to have 40,000 workers in the Yelabuga zone, which manufactures drones. We are recording many foreign nationals agreeing to sign contracts and travel to Russia for work. However, many of them later end up signing contracts with the Ministry of Defense and go to fight,” Skibitsky emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported, in August, Chief of the Defense Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stated that North Korea planned to transfer 6,000 additional troops to Russia, along with 50 to 100 pieces of equipment, including M2010 (Cheonma-D) main battle tanks and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, allegedly for engineering work.

Photo: KCNA