Even North Korea — one of Putin's last remaining allies — is backing away from helping Russia with its disastrous war with Ukraine

• North Korea signaled interest last year in helping Russia rebuild occupied parts of eastern Ukraine.
• About 800 to 1,000 workers were recruited at the time, Daily NK previously reported.
• But as the war slogs on and its trajectory remains uncertain, North Korea delayed sending laborers.

North Korea delayed sending cheap laborers who can help Russia rebuild occupied regions of eastern Ukraine, according to Daily NK, revealing how even President Vladimir Putin's closest allies remain skeptical about the war's trajectory.