The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang told NK News on Tuesday that it is “impossible” to suspend activities in North Korea, denying a recent report that it could soon shut its doors.

“Please be advised that Russian Embassy in DPRK will never be closed,” the embassy said in an email to NK News. “It is impossible in principle, especially now, when our relations are at the growing and strengthening paradigm.”

But the embassy did acknowledge difficult conditions for the staff who have remained in the country since North Korea imposed severe pandemic border controls three years ago.

“The biggest challenge