North Korea Initiates Construction of First Road Bridge to Russia

North Korea has commenced construction on its first road bridge to Russia, calling it a ‘significant’ milestone in their bilateral relations. The bridge, spanning the Tumen River, is intended to enhance ties between the two countries, particularly as North Korea recently confirmed sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine. The project is set for completion by mid-2026 and was first discussed during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last year.

North Korea’s construction of its first road bridge connecting to Russia has been described as a “significant” advancement in bilateral relations, according to a report from state media outlet KCNA. The bridge, which will span the Tumen River in the northeast region of North Korea, represents a crucial development, especially as it is near the existing Friendship Bridge, a historic rail link established during the Soviet era.

The construction commenced on Wednesday, with a projected completion date set for mid-2026 as reported by Russia’s Kommersant newspaper. This announcement follows North Korea’s recent admission of deploying troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, marking a notable shift in the dynamics between the two countries.

The new bridge further exemplifies the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These developments were initially discussed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2022, where he formalized a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with North Korean leaders. This agreement elevates the relations between the two nations to an unprecedented level, reflecting deepening collaboration.

At the ceremony to kick off construction, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that the bridge is “far beyond just an engineering task.” He elaborated, saying it symbolizes a mutual aspiration to bolster friendly, neighborly relations and enhance inter-regional cooperation, underscoring the broader implications of such infrastructure initiatives.

Notably, this announcement coincided with reports from South Korean lawmakers who indicated that over 600 North Korean troops had perished while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. These claims were attributed to intelligence assessments, highlighting the human cost of the military alliance.

In exchange for its support on the battlefield, Russia has reportedly provided North Korea with military technology, including assistance with spy satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft systems. Earlier this week, North Korea boasted about its soldiers allegedly aiding in what they termed the “complete liberation” of Russia’s Kursk region, approximately eight months after Ukraine’s initial offensive.

Reports indicate that some Ukrainian forces remain active within the Russian region, reflecting the ongoing volatility of the situation in Eastern Europe. The construction of the bridge is another substantial development in the evolving relations between these two nations, both facing intense international scrutiny due to sanctions.

Overall, the new bridge and the recent military cooperation signal a marked shift toward closer ties in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, as both Russia and North Korea navigate their respective challenges in the current global arena.

In summary, North Korea’s construction of its first road bridge to Russia marks a pivotal development in their bilateral relations. The bridge symbolizes deeper cooperation between two heavily-sanctioned nations, particularly in the context of military and strategic partnerships. As both countries face international sanctions and challenges, this infrastructure initiative reflects a noteworthy shift in their geopolitical alignments, enhancing inter-regional collaboration amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Original Source: www.bbc.com