North Korea and Russia Open New Road Bridge for Trade and Transport

New road bridge to become trade and transport route between North Korea and Russia opens

September 8

North Korea and Russia officially opened their first road bridge crossing the Tumen River on September 7, in a display of further strengthening bilateral ties.

The bridge, which is 1 kilometer long and has two lanes, was inaugurated via video link by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song.

The bridge construction was agreed upon during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in 2024, with construction beginning in April 2025.

The bridge is the first road connection between the two countries and can accommodate up to 300 vehicles per day. Cargo trucks have already begun crossing, and passenger vehicles are planned to be operational before the end of this year.

Additionally, the bridge has been named after Yakov Novichenko, a Russian soldier who reportedly saved former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung from death in 1946.

The Russian prime minister described the bridge as a new symbol of friendship between the two countries and also praised North Korean soldiers who fought on Russia's side during the Ukraine war.

Professor Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University in South Korea assessed that this bridge reflects the diminishing effectiveness of international economic sanctions imposed on North Korea.

Professor Lim Eul-chul also noted that Russia has gained a new route to directly transport military supplies, ammunition, and troops needed for the Ukraine war.

Ref & Photo; Reuters

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