The Russia-Ukraine war extends into its seventh month. With no signs of coming to an end, North Korea indicates its interest in helping Russia-occupied territories in Ukraine’s eastern region. In addition, the country may send a team of construction workers to rebuild the occupied territories.
According to reports, in a recent interview, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea endorsed this idea. Furthermore, Russian officials foresee a hard-working workforce that could be thrown into “most arduous conditions”. Recently, N Korea’s ambassador to Moscow met with two representatives from Russia-backed territories in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
According to reports, they expressed hope for cooperation in the “field of labour migration.” Originally the talks began in July after it recognised the independence of the territories. Apart from Russia, North Korea and Syria are the only nations that recognise independence of Donetsk and Luhansk territories.
What will be the consequences of labour workers in Ukraine’s Donbas?
Employing North Korean workers in the Donbas would run into a conflict with the United Nations Security Council sanctions. The sanctions were imposed by UNSC over its nuclear and missile programs. In addition, it could further complicate the U.S.-led push for its nuclear demilitarisation. Experts believe North Korea is highly likely to send labour to Donbas once the war eases.
The reason is its struggling economy due to years of U.S.-led sanctions, border closures due to the pandemic, and decades of mismanagement. According to reports, Marat Khusnullin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, informed that North Korean companies have offered to rebuild war-torn areas of Donbas.
Furthermore, workers will be welcomed if they wish to come. Experts believe the exportation of labours would contribute to the North Korean strategy of strengthening cooperation with Russia and China. Amid the war in Ukraine, reports suggest North Korea has ramped up its weapon development.
The move exploited divisions in the Security Council, where Russia and China vetoed US-sponsored resolutions to tighten sanctions on the country.
In several key policies, North Korea and Russia see eye-to-eye. While North Korea blames the US for the Ukraine crisis, Russia has repeatedly condemned large-scale military exercises between the US and South Korea.
