North Korea Mobilizes Thousands of Troops for Construction Projects in Russia Amid Global Tensions

Since September, North Korea has dispatched approximately 5,000 construction personnel to Russia to assist with «infrastructure reconstruction,» according to a report shared by a South Korean lawmaker following a briefing from Seoul’s intelligence agency.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gained confidence from the Ukraine conflict, securing substantial backing from Moscow after sending thousands to support Russian military efforts.

Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun informed the press that «around 5,000 North Korean construction troops have been gradually arriving in Russia since September and are anticipated to be engaged in infrastructure rebuilding projects.»

He also mentioned that «there have been ongoing indications of training and the selection of personnel in readiness for further troop deployments.»

The intelligence agency reported to lawmakers that an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed near the border between Russia and Ukraine, as noted by Lee.

According to South Korean estimates, at least 600 North Korean soldiers have died in the conflict in Ukraine, with thousands more injured.

Experts suggest that North Korea is receiving financial assistance, military technology, as well as food and energy resources in exchange for its troops.

This arrangement has helped North Korea circumvent stringent international sanctions that were previously a significant leverage point for the United States regarding its nuclear and missile programs.

Following the failure of Kim’s 2019 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which fell apart over issues related to denuclearization and relief from sanctions, Pyongyang has consistently reaffirmed itself as an «irreversible» nuclear power.

North Korea did not respond to Trump’s recent invitation for a meeting with Kim, instead sending its Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to Moscow, where she and President Vladimir Putin agreed to enhance their bilateral relationship.

Lee stated that Seoul’s intelligence agency believes Kim may be open to negotiations with Washington and will pursue contact when the circumstances are favorable.

Although the planned meeting with Trump did not take place, «various signs indicate» that Pyongyang «has been preparing in the background for potential discussions with the U.S.,» the lawmaker added.

In September, Kim was seen alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at a grand military parade in Beijing, demonstrating his heightened stature in global politics.

A report from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team mentioned last month that North Korea intended to send «40,000 laborers to Russia, including several groups of IT specialists.»

Under United Nations sanctions, North Korean workers are prohibited from earning income abroad.