North Korea and Russia Open First Road Bridge Amid Ukrainian Concerns

North Korea and Russia have opened their first road bridge across their shared border, creating a new route that Ukraine fears could carry military personnel and equipment as well as commercial traffic.

The one-kilometre bridge crosses the Tumen River between the Russian town of Khasan and the North Korean town of Tumangang. Flag-adorned trucks made the first crossing on Monday, while Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korea’s Premier Pak Thae Song addressed workers and officials by video link.

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further strengthen the connection between our friendly countries

The Russian government said the bridge was designed for projected growth in freight and passenger traffic and could handle up to 300 vehicles a day. Trucks would begin carrying cargo immediately, with passenger traffic expected to start by the end of the year.

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a genuinely historic event

Mishustin called the opening “a genuinely historic event” and said the new route would “further strengthen the connection between our friendly countries.” He said expanded cross-border transport infrastructure would boost trade and economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation. He also described ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as being at “an unprecedented high level.”

The bridge follows years of discussions and construction that began in April last year after an agreement reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea. The two countries have expanded military and economic ties since Russia launched its war in Ukraine. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia since 2024, while Ukraine has accused Moscow of using North Korean missiles in attacks.

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a covert military logistics corridor rather than to facilitate trade

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last month that as many as 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed to fight for Russia. The Ukrainian human rights organisation Truth Hounds said the bridge could become “a covert military logistics corridor rather than to facilitate trade.” It said the route could carry North Korean military personnel, construction workers and senior military officials to Russia, while allowing Russian technology and resources to move in the opposite direction. Russia and North Korea signed a defence treaty in 2024 that provides mutual support if either country is attacked.

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It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue to build its experience in modern warfare, receive licenses from Russia, and receive all kinds of military tools from them