**North Korea May Send Thousands of Workers to Russia to Assist in Drone Production**
In a move that could further escalate tensions between North Korea and the West, Pyongyang is reportedly considering sending up to 25,000 workers to Russia to assist in the mass production of Shahed-type attack drones.
According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, which cited unnamed diplomatic sources in the West and Russia, the workers would be sent to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan. There, they would work at a facility that assembles Iranian-designed Shahed drones for Moscow.
In return, North Korea is seeking drone operation training from Russia. This move comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been bolstering military cooperation with Pyongyang, and the two nations have already collaborated on various military projects in Ukraine.
**Shahed Drones: A Tool of War**
The Shahed drones, known for their low cost and heavy explosive payloads, have been used extensively by Russia since late 2022 to attack Ukrainian cities. The Alabuga site has been repeatedly struck by Ukrainian forces in an attempt to disrupt production.
With this new development, it seems that North Korea is not only supporting Russia’s military endeavors but also seeking to acquire the technology and expertise necessary to produce these drones domestically.
**Rising Tensions Between Russia and Ukraine**
The move comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Ukrainian forces have been pushing back against Russian advances in the Kursk Oblast, which was partially controlled by Kyiv following a cross-border offensive in August 2024. Moscow regained much of the lost territory during a March 2025 counteroffensive that included backing from North Korean forces.
**International Reaction**
The international community has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and is urging it to engage in peaceful negotiations with Kyiv. However, Russia wants to end the war “as soon as possible,” preferably through peaceful means, and is ready to continue negotiations — provided that Kyiv and its Western allies are willing to engage.
As for North Korea, sending thousands of workers to Russia would further strain relations between Pyongyang and the West. With global tensions already running high, this development could have far-reaching implications for international security and stability.
**The Bottom Line**
In a nutshell, North Korea is considering sending up to 25,000 workers to Russia to assist in the production of Shahed-type attack drones. This move comes as Russia continues its military cooperation with Pyongyang, and both nations seek to bolster their military capabilities. The implications of this development are significant, and it remains to be seen how the international community will react.
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