North Korea Providing Workers to Russian Factories Along with Military Personnel, Says Zelenskyy

On October 16, during the presentation of the Victory Plan in Ukrainian Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that North Korea is not only supplying weapons to Russia but also sending workers to staff Russian factories.

"In the coalition of criminals alongside Putin, North Korea—led by the Kim family, which enslaves over 20 million Koreans—has now joined. Our intelligence reports indicate not only the transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia but also the dispatch of people. These workers are meant to replace Russians who have been killed in the war, as well as to bolster the personnel of the Russian army," the President stated.

Zelenskyy also underscored that this marks the involvement of a second nation in the war against Ukraine on Russia's side.

"Everyone observes the Iranian regime's support for Putin, as well as China's collaboration with Russia. Despite their statements, Beijing is holding back from taking truly serious and effective measures to stop Putin, halt the aggression, and prevent Russia from violating the UN Charter," Zelensky added.

North Korea has reportedly provided Russia with millions of artillery shells and missiles since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent reports from Western intelligence suggest that Russia relies heavily on North Korea, receiving approximately half of its annual artillery shells from it.

Earlier on October 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has referenced intelligence reports indicating North Korea’s de facto involvement in the ongoing war, after reports have emerged indicating that more than 20 soldiers were killed near Donetsk due to a missile strike on October 3, including six North Korean officers.