Thousands of North Koreans are currently facing appalling working conditions in Russia, reminiscent of slavery, as they are recruited to address labor shortages arising from Moscow’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine. With estimates suggesting that more than 50,000 North Koreans are being sent to work in the country, it has become a pressing humanitarian issue.

The BBC has conducted interviews with several North Korean defectors who describe their experiences of being subjected to grueling labor in construction, operating under constant surveillance by their government. These workers report enduring punishing schedules of over 18-hour workdays, with only two days off a year, all while living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

One construction worker named Jin recounted his arrival in Russia's Far East under the watchful eyes of a North Korean security agent who warned him against any communications with the outside world. Another worker, Tae, shared how the long hours led to physical exhaustion, with some coerced to sleep on the job or beaten by supervisors for not complying.

Experts have highlighted how North Korean authorities are tightening freedoms and implementing rigorous ideological training, aimed at preventing the workers from escaping. The North Korean regime reportedly benefits financially by profiting from the laborers' minimal wages, which are often a fraction of what other workers earn globally, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

Despite acknowledging the bleak circumstances, many North Koreans desperately seek these overseas jobs as a means to support their families back home. Yet, upon realization of the oppressive realities, disillusionment often sets in. In recent years, a small number of these workers have managed to escape, revealing a tightening grip from North Korean authorities to deter further defections.

As the conflict continues, it appears that the flow of North Korean labor into Russia will persist, with large-scale construction projects, including those in regions affected by the ongoing war, being a major area of employment. The ongoing collaboration between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin maintains a grim aspect of their relationship, with North Korean workers bearing the brunt of both leaderships' decisions.