Russia has begun direct commercial flights to North Korea—a further sign of deepening ties with its Asian ally, which is supporting the Russian offensive in Ukraine, AFP reported.

The inaugural flight on the Moscow–Pyongyang route, operated by Nordwind Airlines, was scheduled to depart at 16:00 GMT and expected to land in the North Korean capital approximately eight hours later, according to information on the airline's website.

Nordwind Airlines—a carrier that previously served tourist destinations in Europe before the European Union imposed a ban on Russian flights—offered tickets priced at 45,000 rubles (approximately 570 U.S. dollars).

According to Russian state agency TASS, the first return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow is also set to take place. Russia’s Ministry of Transport stated that the route will be serviced once a month.

Russia and North Korea restored their railway links on June 17, after they were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, the two countries have strengthened their military cooperation. Pyongyang has provided troops and weapons to Moscow for use in the war in Ukraine. Last year, a mutual defense pact was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea.

In April, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent its troops to the front in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. | BGNES