When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, North Korea was among the first countries to voice support. The DPRK went on to formally recognize the Russia-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, made plans to send workers there and reportedly sold weapons for the Kremlin’s war effort.

And yet a year into the war, there have been no signs that North Korean arms are in Ukraine, despite U.S. accusations of weapons sales, and DPRK laborers have yet to appear in the separatist states.