On Wednesday, April 30th, Russia and North Korea officially launched the construction of a highway bridge spanning the Tumen River. This project aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote economic and regional cooperation. The bridge is located near the “Friendship Bridge,” a railway bridge that was put into operation in 1959 after the Korean War, with a length of approximately 850 meters (2789 feet), connecting to the Russian highway system.
According to a report by TASS, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated during the groundbreaking ceremony that the construction of the bridge signifies further development in the relationship between Russia and North Korea, with the goal of promoting regional cooperation.
The report mentioned that North Korean Prime Minister Pak Thae Song participated in the ceremony via video link, stating that the project will provide infrastructure support for cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, tourism, and personnel exchange.
The construction agreement for this bridge was reached during Russian President Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, with an expected completion date in the summer of 2026.
Russia has stated that the bridge will help reduce transportation costs and facilitate trade, while North Korea has emphasized the significance of bilateral economic cooperation.
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Pyongyang has emerged as one of Moscow’s key allies. This week, they acknowledged sending thousands of soldiers to the Kursk region to assist Moscow in repelling the Ukrainian forces.
According to South Korean intelligence reports, around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the frontlines of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, with approximately 600 casualties reported.
North Korea has long been subject to UN sanctions restricting its economic activities. There are concerns that this project could potentially serve as a means for North Korea to evade sanctions and access economic resources.