Russia has opened a direct air route between Moscow and Pyogyang in a move reflecting closer ties between the two countries.

Russia will launch direct passenger flights from Moscow to North Korea 's capital Pyongyang on Sunday, Russian authorities said, as the two former communist bloc allies move to improve ties following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The start of regular flights follows the resumption of Moscow-Pyongyang passenger rail service, a 10-day journey, in June.