While tensions between Russia and various nations persist, there is a notable effort from Russia to cultivate a stronger bond with at least one country.
Throughout the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Vladimir Putin has faced criticism from global figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former President Donald Trump, with whom he once shared a somewhat cordial relationship.
There have been numerous calls for Russia to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, a conflict that has now persisted for over three years. Despite this, a resolution has not yet been achieved.
Trump had set a deadline for Putin to cease military actions in Ukraine by September 2, but he has since considered advancing this deadline to August 9. Putin has not yet responded to these developments.
As Putin’s rapport with Trump wanes, he appears to be seeking to bolster ties with North Korea, one of his few steadfast allies.
In the previous year, Putin enacted the North Korea-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, originally signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024.
More than a year later, Russia has resumed direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang, a service that had not operated for several decades. Initially, these flights will occur once monthly, according to The Guardian.
The inaugural flight, managed by Russian airline Nordwind, departed from Moscow on July 27, reaching Pyongyang approximately eight hours later.
Per Euro News, the flight carried 400 passengers, with ticket prices set at 45,000 rubles (about $553).
The reopening of this flight route follows Kim Jong Un’s announcement regarding North Korea’s launch of its first beach resort, aimed at boosting tourism.
The resort, named Wonsan Kalma, is located roughly 220km from Pyongyang.
While Putin remains focused on his endeavors in Ukraine, there are concerns that he may have ambitions to target another nation.
According to US intelligence expert Rebekah Koffler, Moldova could be on Putin’s radar.
“As a military intelligence analyst specialising in Putin’s thinking and Russian military strategy, I agree with Rutte’s assessment about Russia’s readiness for another offensive military campaign in just a few years,” Koffler wrote for The Telegraph.
“I’m less convinced that a NATO country is likely to be the Kremlin’s next target, unless the alliance directly intervenes in Ukraine by deploying troops onto the battlefield.
“Nevertheless, what NATO does or doesn’t do in the next few years could be highly significant in determining whether Putin decides to attack another post-Soviet state – such as Moldova.”