North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (centre) attends a welcoming ceremony for troops returning from mine-clearing duties in Russia’s Kursk region amid the Russia-Ukraine war. (EPA Images pic)SEOUL: A Russian network of brokers sponsored by Pyongyang has taken North Koreans to work in Russia in exploitative conditions and in violation of UN sanctions, some at factories that turn out items Moscow uses in the Ukraine war, a rights group said.
The neighbours have boosted military and political ties dramatically since pledging renewed cooperation at a 2023 summit of their leaders, while a mutual defence pact is a cornerstone of a partnership treaty signed the following year.
In its report, the Hague-based group, Global Rights Compliance (GRC), said North Korea reaps funds from the operation, taking much of the wages earned by its workers who are sent to Russia and made to stay under threat of retribution.
