North Korea Marks Milestone with First Road Bridge to Russia

North Korea has commenced construction of its first road bridge to Russia, described as a “significant” milestone in bilateral relations. Near an existing rail connection, the bridge is set for completion by mid-2026. This development follows North Korea’s acknowledgment of sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine, demonstrating strengthening ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

North Korea has hailed the construction of its first road bridge to Russia as a noteworthy advancement in diplomatic relations, according to state media outlet KCNA. This bridge will cross the Tumen River located in the northeast part of the country, marking an important infrastructural development. Officials report that construction kicked off on Wednesday—a significant milestone not only for infrastructure but also for political ties between the closely-aligned nations.

The bridge, which is designed to connect directly to Russia, will be located near the existing Soviet-era Friendship Bridge, the only other land link between the two countries. As per reports from Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, the new structure’s completion is anticipated around mid-2026, representing a long-term commitment to bolster transport and economic collaboration.

This announcement arrives just on the heels of North Korea’s acknowledgment of sending troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It’s noteworthy that such military engagement emphasizes an increasingly tight relationship between the two nations, especially after the intensification of Russia’s military campaigns beginning in 2022.

The bridge’s plans emerged during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea last year, at which he put his signature on a bilateral agreement termed a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” This denotes the highest degree of cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, aiming to enhance their collaborative engagements on various fronts.

During the bridge’s construction ceremony, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin highlighted that the project extends beyond mere engineering. He stated, “It symbolizes our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighbourly relations and increase inter-regional cooperation.” This indicates a deeper commitment not only to infrastructure but also to strengthening bilateral ties.

Interestingly, this construction activity coincided with reports from South Korean lawmakers, who detailed that over 600 North Korean soldiers had died while supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine. Intelligence from South Korea underlines the ongoing military dimensions of this relationship, illustrating a complex exchange between the two countries.

In a reciprocal arrangement, North Korea seems to have gained military technical support from Russia, which includes assistance with spy satellites and anti-air missile systems. Earlier announcements revealed that North Korean troops claimed to have helped “completely liberate” areas in Russia’s Kursk border region, indicating an evolving military dynamic that Moscow may leverage in future conflicts.

In summary, the development of North Korea’s first road bridge to Russia signifies a strengthening of ties between the two nations. With construction underway and slated for completion in mid-2026, this project is part of a broader strategic partnership agreed upon by Putin and North Korean leaders. As military support exchanges unfold in the context of the Ukraine conflict, the relationship between Russia and North Korea appears positioned to deepen further, with implications that extend beyond simple infrastructure projects.

Original Source: www.bbc.com