North Korea Workers Crash into Russia – A Potential Sanctions Slip‑up
Feel the heat: Russia quietly lets over 10,000 fresh North Korean laborers into its borders since September, and it’s issuing new work permits at a pace that could crack the UN sanctions aimed at choking off Pyongyang’s cash flow.
What the Numbers Say
- Minimum 700 new work permits issued last year (per Labour Ministry records).
- Through 10,000+ registered workers since September 2023.
- Each worker sends an estimated $150‑$300 million straight into Kim Jong Un’s pockets yearly.
Russia’s Position
When the foreign ministry was poked, they kept mum outside office hours. The U.S. keeps pulling the legislative lever – demanding Moscow “prove it’s on the good side, not the bad side” when it comes to this global threat.
US Rants & Reality
- “Russia needs to do more,” a state‑department spokesperson chided, citing the importance of cooperation over contract‑running.
- He drilled a point: “If Russia truly wants better ties with the U.S., it should enforce the sanctions we all signed.”
- Highlighting that Russian wages could be wiping out $150‑$300 million from North Korea each year, the U.S. hammered home the urgency for Moscow to take action.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Work abroad has always been a high‑yield channel for Kim Jong Un’s regime. Workers, often pulled into fierce, grim conditions, funnel money straight into government coffers. The sanctions are a rood-needle strategy to choke that revenue stream.
UN Humanitarian Glimpse
UN’s Mark Lowcock took a trip to Pyongyang last month. On his Twitter sidebar, he blasted out a video that showcases the clear humanitarian need in the region. He made it dreadfully obvious that this isn’t just a political quibble but a human crisis.
All said and done, the world’s watching how Moscow will handle the North Korean labor gate. Will it step up or stand pat? The countdown is on.
