North Korean female workers sent to Russian factories

Signs that North Korea is sending increasing numbers of female workers to Russia are emerging as Pyongyang’s military cooperation with Moscow continues to expand amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

North Korean women wearing matching white clothing and carrying black duffel bags and backpacks have reportedly been dispatched to Russia through employment agencies, SBS News reports.

The workers are being assigned to production sites across Russia, including assembly lines, food manufacturing facilities and garment factories. Reports say they are organized in groups of about 40 and receive wages starting at roughly 480 rubles per hour, equivalent to around 8,000 South Korean won.

Videos purportedly showing North Korean women working at logistics warehouses operated by Russian e-commerce companies have also circulated in Russian media and on social media platforms.

Estimates have put the total number of North Korean workers sent to Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war at around 30,000. Analysts say female workers are likely playing a significant role in generating foreign currency for Pyongyang through employment in Russian industrial facilities.

The reported deployment of workers comes as North Korea’s military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to attract international attention.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that North Korea could send between 30,000 and 50,000 additional troops to Russia, and has called for greater cooperation with South Korea in response.

North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened ties since the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has been accused by Kyiv and its allies of providing Moscow with military assistance, including troops and ammunition.

By Vafa Guliyeva