https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/12-000-north-korean-workers-sent-to-russia-to-help-produce-shahed-dronesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/12-000-north-korean-workers-sent-to-russia-to-help-produce-shahed-droneshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/12-000-north-korean-workers-sent-to-russia-to-help-produce-shahed-drones#u154044Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:45:33 +0000North Korea has deployed up to 12,000 workers to a manufacturing plant in Russia to help produce Shahed-type attack drones. Operating within Russia's Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, these workers face conditions described as severe human trafficking and forced labor. Investigators report that the North Korean regime appropriates up to 90% of the wages earned by the laborers at the facility.Why it mattersThis deployment expands military and industrial cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Beyond labor supply, observers raise concerns tha