Russia and North Korea Start Building a New Road Bridge to Strengthen Their Bonds

Russia and North Korea have initiated the construction of an 850-metre road bridge to connect the two nations and enhance trade.

Russia and North Korea have officially begun the construction of a new road bridge that will connect the two nations over the Tumen River, representing a significant and strategic advancement in enhancing their bilateral relations. 

On Wednesday, a ceremony was held where the announcement was made, attended by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The new bridge, measuring 850 metres (2,789 feet), will enhance the existing “Friendship Bridge” — a rail link constructed in 1959 following the Korean War — and will provide a direct connection to Russia’s highway system. The construction of the bridge, which has been a topic of discussion for an extended period, was finalized during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024. It is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026, as reported by the Russian newspaper Kommersant.

“The importance extends well beyond merely an engineering endeavor,” Mishustin stated, as reported by state news agency TASS. “It represents our collective dedication to enhancing amicable, neighborly relations and broadening inter-regional collaboration.”

Officials from Russia assert that the bridge will allow entrepreneurs from both countries to enhance trade, lower transportation expenses, and stabilize the supply of goods. This initiative is seen as a component of Moscow’s larger strategy to strengthen relationships with non-Western allies in light of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and increased tensions with the West.

The announcement coincided with South Korean lawmakers referencing intelligence reports that suggest around 600 North Korean troops have been killed while engaging with Russian forces in Ukraine, from an estimated total of 15,000 deployed.

Although Pyongyang and Moscow have maintained a level of secrecy regarding the specifics of their partnership, infrastructure initiatives such as the new bridge clearly indicate an increasing strategic alignment between the two countries.