North Korea Begins Construction of First Road Bridge to Russia, Citing Significant Ties
North Korea has begun constructing its first road bridge to Russia, deemed a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The bridge, spanning the Tumen River, is slated for completion by mid-2026. Its development follows North Korea’s deployment of troops supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, reflecting a tightening alliance between the two sanctioned nations.
North Korea has announced the commencement of its first road bridge to Russia, a project characterized as a “significant” milestone in diplomatic relations by the state media outlet, KCNA. The bridge will stretch across the Tumen River, located in the country’s northeast, and will be in close proximity to the existing Soviet-era rail bridge known as the “Friendship Bridge”.
Construction of this bridge started on Wednesday and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, as reported by Kommersant, a Russian newspaper. This development follows North Korea’s recent confirmation that it has deployed troops to support Russia amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This move represents another step in the evolving relationship between these two nations, both of which are under extensive international sanctions.
The initiation of this bridge construction underscores the growing ties between North Korea and Russia, especially since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The plans for the bridge were reportedly solidified during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last year, during which both countries formalized an agreement emphasizing a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” marking a notable elevation in bilateral relations.
At a ceremony to kick off the construction, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that the bridge represents more than just a mere engineering endeavor. He expressed that, “It symbolizes our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighborly relations and increase inter-regional cooperation.” His remarks highlight the significance of this project in fostering closer ties between the two countries.
Coinciding with the bridge’s construction announcement, South Korean lawmakers disclosed intelligence assessments estimating that around 600 North Korean troops have died while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. These reports suggest a fragile military exchange, where in return for military assistance, North Korea may receive technological support from Russia, specifically in the fields of intelligence satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles.
Earlier this week, North Korea claimed that its military forces played a key role in the reclamation of the Kursk region in Russia, which had been engaged by Ukrainian forces in a surprise attack about eight months prior. Ukraine, however, has stated that some of its troops remain in that Russian region, indicating ongoing tensions and conflict in the area.
In summary, the construction of North Korea’s first road bridge to Russia is indicative of an increasingly strategic partnership between the two countries amidst their individual isolation from the global community. With significant military and technical exchanges, this development signals deeper ties that may affect regional dynamics and geopolitical considerations moving forward.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
