Mick Hartley

Not just sending arms and soldiers: the next stage for North Korea is to send workers to help rebuild all the towns and cities bombed to rubble by the Russians.

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….

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.

Perhaps the North Korean influence will extend to the provision of monumental heroic statues, in the style of those glorifying the Great Leader and Dear Leader prevalent in North Korea. Putin and Kim Jong-un, maybe…or, even better, Putin and Trump. Together, in gold leaf, from the famed Mansudae Arts Studio – provider of monumental statues to dictators across Africa – towering over the sea-front at Mariupol. Trump would be delighted: it might even give him ideas for home. A massive golden Donald to replace the Washington Monument….