First Bridge Connecting Russia and North Korea by Road Now Operational
Image source, Reuters
The first bridge constructed to connect Russia and North Korea by road has now become operational. This bridge will significantly ease crossing the Tumen River and facilitate the transport of goods.
North Korean state media stated that the bridge will be used for “people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and trade.”
However, according to the Ukrainian open-source intelligence group ‘Truth Hounds’, the bridge was built primarily to create a secret route for military logistics to support Russia in the Ukraine war.
This bridge was constructed at a time when relations between Russia and North Korea have been deepening since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un had pledged mutual support in case of any attack.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin described the new bridge as “a new symbol of friendship,” while North Korean Premier Pak Tae Song called the bridge’s construction and operation a “historic event.”
Currently in Use for Goods Transport
Image source, Reuters
According to the Russian state news agency TASS, up to 300 vehicles and around 2,300 people will be able to cross the bridge daily.
Satellite images released in May showed the nearly one-kilometer-long bridge along with new access roads, a border checkpoint, other structures, and parking areas.
Although air and rail services between the two countries were already in operation, there was previously only a temporary road crossing, which allowed vehicle passage only by placing planks on the rail bridge.
Reuters reports that the Russian government initially plans to use this bridge exclusively for transporting goods, with passenger traffic expected to be allowed later this year.
Potential for Weapons to Be Transported to Russia
Participating via video at the bridge’s inauguration, Mishustin stated that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an “unprecedented high level.”
He expressed hope that the bridge would provide significant momentum for further development in trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation.
The opening of the bridge could immediately lead to increased arms exports to Russia.
South Korean intelligence agencies have reported that North Korea has already shipped rockets, missiles, and artillery ammunition valued between 700 million to 1.4 billion US dollars to Russia by ship. Currently, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are actively fighting in Russia against Ukrainian forces.
Truth Hounds recently stated that, considering the strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries in 2024, this bridge could be used to directly transfer North Korean soldiers, construction workers, and senior military officers to Russia.
“It could also facilitate the transfer of Russian technology and resources in return.”
Bridge Completed in 495 Days
Construction of the bridge began in 2023. The agreement to build it was made during Russian President Putin’s visit to North Korea last year.
Putin’s visit to Pyongyang was the first in 24 years, during which a partnership treaty between the two countries was signed. The bridge took a total of 495 days to complete.
Since permission began in 2024, Russian tourists have started visiting Pyongyang and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist areas in North Korea, though restrictions remain for citizens of other countries.
It is also expected that North Korean workers will now go to Russia for work via this road link.
South Korea estimates that about 10,000 North Korean citizens are working in construction sites and logging areas in Russia.
Although the United Nations has imposed sanctions on the use of North Korean laborers, many enter Russia on student visas.