Thu May 01 06:59:21 UTC 2025: ## North Korea and Russia Begin Construction on New Border Bridge Amidst Deepening Ties
**Seoul, South Korea – May 1, 2025** – North Korea and Russia have commenced construction on a new road bridge spanning the Tumen River, marking a significant step in their burgeoning bilateral relationship. The 1-kilometer bridge, expected to be completed within 18 months, will further enhance cross-border travel, tourism, and trade between the two nations.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held simultaneously in both countries on Thursday, was attended virtually by North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Both leaders hailed the project as a historic milestone in strengthening their ties.
This new bridge joins an existing railway bridge and air service connecting the two nations. The agreement to build the automobile bridge was reached in June 2024.
The development comes amidst increasingly close cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korea has openly acknowledged sending troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, with South Korean intelligence estimating that approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, suffering significant casualties. In return, Russia has reportedly provided North Korea with advanced weaponry, including air defense missiles and drone technology. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently thanked North Korea for its military assistance.
The construction of the bridge underscores the deepening strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia, raising concerns among international observers about the implications for regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
First Piper 