Freight train services between North Korea and Russia have resumed after being suspended since 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Russian media on Wednesday reported the resumption of operations.

The reports say the first train transported 30 horses from Russia's Far East to North Korea's northeast, and that medicines will be sent in the next service.

North Korea restarted cross-border freight train operations with China in September. They had also been halted due to COVID-19 concerns.

Observers say the North wants to procure goods from the countries as its economy has been damaged.

North Korea and Russia have been deepening ties since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

In July, the North recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, controlled by pro-Russian forces, in eastern Ukraine as independent nations.

In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, in a message that the countries would expand their "comprehensive and constructive" ties.