Russia starts direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang

Russia has launched a regular monthly flight between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking closer ties with North Korea. The first Nordwind Airlines flight carried over 400 passengers. The move follows Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma resort, which aims to boost tourism and support the country’s struggling economy, the Associated Press has reported. North Korea is gradually reopening its borders post-pandemic, while its strengthened ties with Russia include military cooperation and support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.