Analysis Ruble to rubble: Fiscal freefall cuts into pockets of North Koreans in RussiaExperts say financial turmoil due to sanctions against Russia will squeeze DPRK laborers, who are unable to return home Extraordinary new international sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s emergency fiscal measures in response have squeezed North Korean workers in the country, experts say, as the ruble’s death spiral cuts deep into the pockets of migrant workers already living on the margins. In a bid to stop the bleeding and prevent a run on banks, Russia announced a “temporary procedure” Wednesday preventing its citizens from purchasing foreign currencies. Those with foreign currency-denominated accounts will only be allowed to withdraw up to $10,000 U.S. dollars, while the rest remains in the state © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. |