On Wednesday, Russia and North Korea commenced the construction of a road bridge over the Tumen River, aimed at enhancing their strategic alliance, as stated by Russia’s Prime Minister. The new bridge will be located near the existing ‘Friendship Bridge,’ a rail structure established in 1959 following the Korean War.
During the inauguration ceremony for the bridge’s construction, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized its importance in Russian-North Korean relations, according to the TASS news agency. He remarked that its significance extends beyond mere engineering, symbolizing a mutual commitment to fostering friendly relations and enhancing inter-regional collaboration. The road bridge, which has been in discussion for several years, will measure 850 meters (2789 feet) and connect to the Russian highway network. Its construction was finalized during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.
The Kommersant newspaper reported that the bridge is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Mishustin noted that the bridge will enable entrepreneurs to significantly boost transportation capacity and lower costs, ensuring reliable supply chains for various products, thereby facilitating the growth of trade and economic cooperation.
Additionally, South Korean lawmakers reported that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have died while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, out of a total of 15,000 deployed, according to the country’s intelligence agency.
