Russia and North Korea to Initiate Construction of Tumen River Bridge

Russia and North Korea will begin building a bridge over the Tumen River, a step following a comprehensive partnership agreement made during Putin’s 2024 visit. The bridge, expected to be 850 meters long, aims to enhance economic and military exchanges, potentially undermining international sanctions. North Korea is also reportedly sending troops and military supplies to Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

Russia and North Korea are set to commence construction of a bridge over the Tumen River, as announced by Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora. This decision follows President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, which solidified a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The new bridge is to be built near a pre-existing railway bridge established in 1959 after the Korean War.

Historically, a wooden bridge allowed for border crossings in the early 20th century but was subsequently destroyed. Ambassador Matsegora stated, “Construction of the bridge has not started yet. The parties are making preparations, finalizing the design documentation, forming construction teams, and columns of machinery.” The proposed structure is expected to span 850 meters and integrate into the Russian highway system.

Satellite imagery analysis from SI Analytics indicates that preliminary work on the bridge’s foundations and connecting roads may have already begun, citing its potential to significantly enhance economic, social, and military exchanges between North Korea and Russia. The report expressed that, “With the rapid construction of this bridge, […] a sharp increase in economic, social and military exchanges is expected,” which may undermine the impact of international sanctions.

In related developments, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea deployed approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia earlier this year to help counter losses sustained in Ukraine. Moreover, North Korea is supplying Russia with an array of military hardware, including missiles and artillery, in what represents a substantial escalation of their collaboration during a conflict for the first time since the Korean War. The Joint Chiefs estimated about 11,000 North Korean troops are involved in the conflict, with said casualties reaching around 4,000.

The upcoming construction of a bridge between Russia and North Korea, as confirmed by Russian officials, underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations through a strategic partnership. The anticipated infrastructure development may facilitate increased exchanges and potentially diminish the impact of international sanctions. Additionally, military cooperation between the two countries appears to be intensifying, with North Korean support for Russia in its ongoing conflict. This situation warrants continued observation due to its implications for regional and global dynamics.

Original Source: bnn-news.com