Russia Begins Construction of Road Bridge to North Korea

Russia and North Korea have officially launched construction of a new road bridge over the Tumen River, marking a deepening of strategic ties between the two countries, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.

Speaking at a ceremonial event marking the start of the project, Russian PM Mishustin said the bridge’s importance extended beyond mere infrastructure.

The new bridge is being built near the existing “Friendship Bridge,” a railway crossing that was commissioned in 1959 following the Korean War. In contrast, the new 850-metre (2,789 ft) road bridge will connect directly to Russia’s highway system and has long been under discussion. 

The final agreement on its construction was reached during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2024. The bridge is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.

Mishustin highlighted the expected economic benefits of the project, stressing improved logistics and lower costs for cross-border trade.

The bridge “will allow entrepreneurs to significantly increase transportation volumes and reduce transportation costs, ensure reliable and stable supplies of various products, which will contribute to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation,” Mishustin said.

While the official narrative focuses on economic and diplomatic gains, the development comes amid rising reports of North Korean military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

As The Gaze previously reported, on April 30, 2025, South Korea's National Intelligence Service disclosed that North Korean forces stationed in Russia to assist in the war against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region have sustained over 4,700 casualties. Among these, more than 600 have been confirmed dead.