North Korea Marks Milestone with First Road Bridge to Russia

North Korea has initiated the construction of its first road bridge to Russia, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. The bridge, set to span the Tumen river, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. This initiative reflects deepening ties amidst North Korea’s recent military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

North Korea’s state media, KCNA, has declared the nation’s first road bridge to Russia as a major achievement in bilateral relations. Construction of this landmark project commenced on Wednesday and is set to span the Tumen River in northeast North Korea. Notably, it will be constructed nearby the existing Soviet-era Friendship Bridge, which currently serves as the sole land connection between the two nations.

Completion of the bridge is anticipated by mid-2026, as reported by the Russian news outlet Kommersant. This development closely follows North Korea’s recent acknowledgment of having deployed troops to support Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The new bridge reflects the strengthening ties between these two heavily sanctioned countries, a trend that has intensified since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Plans for the bridge surfaced during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last year, where he formalized a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement, marking the highest level of engagement between the two countries. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin underscored the significance of the construction at the groundbreaking ceremony, stating it represents more than just an engineering endeavor.

He emphasized, “It symbolizes our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighborly relations and increase inter-regional cooperation.” This statement highlights the diplomatic intent behind the infrastructural project.

Curiously, the construction’s commencement coincided with South Korean lawmakers reporting intelligence that over 600 North Korean soldiers had lost their lives while assisting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, intelligence sources suggest that in exchange for military support, Russia has offered North Korea technical aid related to spy satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles.

In a recent proclamation, North Korea stated that its troops had played a pivotal role in the “complete liberation” of Russia’s Kursk border area, a claim that comes eight months following Ukraine’s unexpected military offensive in that region. Ukrainian forces reportedly remain in parts of that Russian territory, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

In summary, North Korea’s construction of its first road bridge to Russia marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. This development underscores a deepening alliance, particularly in light of their cooperative efforts in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The bridge is not just an engineering project but a symbol of enhanced diplomatic relations. As both countries navigate challenges under heavy sanctions, their partnership appears poised for further growth in the future.

Original Source: www.bbc.com