Russia has launched direct commercial flights to North Korea, signalling a further strengthening of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. The first Moscow-Pyongyang service, operated by Nordwind Airlines,

Without the involvement of North Korea, Russia’s war in Ukraine might have taken a different turn. The infusion of weaponry and troops provided by Kim Jong Un’s regime has helped Russia to repel Ukrainian forces from its soil and keep up the relentless bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities.

Passengers gather to check-in for the first flight connecting Moscow and Pyongyang at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International airport, amidst the warming relations between Russia and North Korea outside Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)