Pushilin pointed to a track record where North Korean builders proved to be highly qualified specialists on prior projects before Western sanctions took hold. On July 14, he announced the potential involvement of North Korean experts in the Donbass reconstruction efforts.
“The DPR State Department is negotiating the inclusion of builders for DPR restoration sites, including those from North Korea. North Korea historically sent its builders abroad, following a certain pattern before sanctions. The workers from the DPRK are known for their high skill, discipline, and solid results.”
Pushilin added that in the near term the first team of DPRK experts would arrive to assess the scope of work for the projects ahead.
In recent weeks, diplomatic and humanitarian channels between the two countries have expanded rapidly, coinciding with Pyongyang’s recognition of the DPR and LPR on July 13. The parties are exploring possibilities for reciprocal visits by leaders and the exchange of delegations.
Pushilin also noted that the foreign ministries of the DPR and DPRK are working on selecting buildings for embassies in both nations. “Notes have been exchanged, diplomatic relations are established within the framework of recognition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling all these matters. This is the careful work of foreign affairs institutions.”
Mediation and Evaluation in Moscow
On August 8, Alexander Matsegora, the Russian Ambassador to North Korea, stated that Moscow stands ready to help establish ties between Pyongyang and Donetsk if needed.
“As far as I know, our colleagues from the DPRK and LDPR embassies in Russia have built excellent working relationships and stay in contact, pursuing bilateral and trilateral cooperation in various arenas. If assistance is required and Moscow provides the necessary instructions, the embassy will act. We possess experience and knowledge that our partners can leverage.”
He emphasized that the possible involvement of Korean builders in Donbass restoration lies within the responsibilities of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Pyongyang, not elsewhere.
On August 1, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin spoke positively about North Korean builders, highlighting the productivity observed in North Korea.
“There is a highly interesting North Korean market. They are capable workers, though the country remains closed. A Korean tiler can lay 2.5 times more than a Russian tiler. It is a fact that he can replace two Russian tilers single-handedly.”
Rapid Development of Ties
Pyongyang’s recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk brought sharp criticism from Kiev, which then cut diplomatic ties with the DPRK on July 13. In Kyiv, Pyongyang’s move was viewed as an attempt to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Donbass, recognition by the DPRK was seen as broadening the republics’ standing on the international stage, signaling that other states might recognize LDNR independence in the future.
By July 14, there was already talk of deepening interstate relations with the DPRK on the basis of independence, peace, and friendship. On July 21, Pushilin instructed the Foreign Ministry to establish diplomatic relations with the DPRK, asserting that such ties would likely yield mutually beneficial economic outcomes. He also noted a readiness to assist the DPRK with specialists to aid in rebuilding the destroyed cities.
“When it comes to restoration and reconstruction, we have clear intentions and understand that skilled personnel will be needed. The DPRK has qualified builders, and we will move forward with this in mind.”
On July 29, DPRK and DPR ambassadors to Russia, Sin Hong-chul and Olga Makeeva, discussed the development of bilateral relations. Makeeva later informed the DPRK ambassador that Pushilin was prepared to visit the DPRK and meet with President Kim Jong-un.