This week lawmakers from the Russian legislature’s upper house, the Federation Council (also occasionally referred to as the Senate) wrapped up a visit to Pyongyang for talks aimed at strengthening DPRK-Russia bilateral relations.

Among those representing the Russian government were Sergei Kislyak, who formerly served as Moscow’s ambassador to the U.S., and Oleg Melnicheko, chairperson of a regional development committee on the Federation Council.

A group of Russian legislators visiting the DPRK for a relatively extended period of time — five days in total — may appear to be setting the stage for major developments.

In late 2014 North Korean