Russia has initiated regular commercial flights connecting Moscow and Pyongyang, with the first flight operated by Nordwind departing from Sheremetyevo Airport to Seoul carrying over 400 passengers. Monthly flights will run based on demand. This follows the resumption of flights between Vladivostok and Pyongyang earlier in 2023 after pandemic suspensions. North Korea is gradually easing restrictions and reopening borders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma resort, meeting Kim Jong Un and promoting tourism. Military and economic cooperation between the two nations has also grown significantly.