Russia and North Korea to Build Strategic Bridge Over Tumen River

Russia and North Korea will build a bridge over the Tumen River, following a partnership agreement in 2024. Preparations are ongoing, with expectations for increased bilateral cooperation, despite challenges posed by existing international sanctions. Additionally, North Korea has sent troops and munitions to assist Russia in the Ukraine conflict since early 2024.

Russia and North Korea are set to commence the construction of a bridge across the Tumen River, as announced by Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora on March 27. This initiative follows President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, during which a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement was signed.

The new bridge will be positioned near the existing railway bridge established in 1959 post the Korean War. Early 20th-century connections were facilitated by a wooden bridge that was subsequently destroyed. Although construction has yet to begin, preparations are underway, with the finalization of design documents and the assembly of machinery and construction teams.

Once completed, the bridge, measuring 850 meters, will integrate with the Russian highway system. A report from SI Analytics noted that preliminary work on the bridge’s foundations and road connections seems to be underway, fostering expectations of heightened economic, social, and military interactions between the two nations, which may challenge existing international sanctions against both countries.

Additionally, reports from AP News indicate that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 troops to Russia in early 2024 to offset combat losses in Ukraine. North Korea is also supplying Russia with munitions, including short-range ballistic missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers. Furthermore, North Korea’s involvement in this conflict has reportedly resulted in around 11,000 troops being deployed, with an estimated 4,000 casualties.

In summary, the construction of a bridge connecting Russia and North Korea marks a pivotal step in strengthening their bilateral relations through infrastructure development. This project, which is progressing amid significant military support from North Korea to Russia, could have profound implications for international sanctions and regional stability.

Original Source: bnn-news.com