North Korea’s Labor Powers Russia’s Drones

Russia is reportedly using up to 25,000 North Korean workers in Alabuga, Tatarstan, to assemble military drones for use against Ukraine despite international sanctions.

The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reported Wednesday that Russia used up to 25,000 North Korean workers to assemble military drones at Alabuga, Tatarstan, for the Ukraine war.

The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reported on September 16 that Russia employed North Korean workers to manufacture military drones at the Alabuga plant in Tatarstan during 2025.

The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reported on September 16 that up to 25,000 North Korean workers are allegedly assembling Iranian-designed drones at Alabuga in Russia for the war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence officials reported in 2025 that North Korea sent approximately 400 drone operators to Russia for potential reconnaissance and strike missions against Ukraine.