**Russia and North Korea Strengthen Ties with Direct Flights Between Moscow and Pyongyang**
In a significant move, Russia is set to launch direct passenger flights from Moscow to Pyongyang on July 27. This marks the first air connection between the two capitals in decades, signaling deepening bilateral relations.
The resumption of regular air travel links the two cities for the first time since the mid-1990s. According to Russian aviation blogs, the move follows the June resumption of Moscow-Pyongyang passenger rail service. For now, however, flights will begin with one per month, “to help build stable demand,” Reuters reports.
This development comes as Russia faces growing geopolitical isolation following its invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has been increasingly close to Russia in recent years, particularly after Pyongyang pledged to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
**Military Alliance Intensifies**
Most recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to “unconditionally” support Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In June 2024, the two countries signed a defense treaty, pledging to provide aid to one another in the event of an attack. Pyongyang has already demonstrated its support by deploying around 11,000 soldiers to help Moscow fend off a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
**North Korea Prepares to Send Additional Troops**
According to reports from CNN, North Korea is preparing to send up to 30,000 troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine. This development underscores the growing military alliance between the two countries.
In conclusion, the launch of direct passenger flights from Moscow to Pyongyang marks a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea. As tensions remain high in Ukraine, this move is likely to be seen as a further escalation of Russia’s support for the war effort.
**What Does This Mean?**
This development has several implications:
* It signals a closer military alliance between Russia and North Korea, with both countries pledging mutual support.
* The deployment of additional troops from North Korea may indicate a willingness by Pyongyang to take on greater risks in supporting Moscow’s war efforts.
* The strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea also suggests that the international community will face increased challenges in addressing security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.
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