Russia, North Korea open bridge, first road connection

Russia and North Korea opened on Monday the first road bridge linking their shared border. Leaders from both countries hailed a deepening of their ties, Russia and North Korea’s state media outlets reported. The prime ministers appeared by video link at an opening ceremony for the half-mile-long bridge, according to the Russian government. The new bridge doubled the number of countries connected to North Korea by road. The hermit state has several border crossings to China, while the South Korean border remains shut down and fortified.

The bridge’s two lanes cross the Tumen River and will allow up to 300 vehicles a day to pass through. The conduit is between North Korea's border city, Rason, and Russia's Khasan, according to the Russian government.

The new bridge will be used for trade and tourism while furthering economic and cultural opportunities, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. Relations between the two countries were at an all-time high, Mishustin added. The road will allow for bilateral exchanges and long-term cooperation, stated North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song. The two countries have been linked by a dual-gauge rail line and bridge for decades, and have been linked by an air service, according to the Russian government.

Will the bridge be used to transport weapons? Ukrainian investigative organisation Truth Hounds claimed the bridge will be used primarily to transport North Korean military personnel, construction workers, and senior military officials to Russia. In 2024, North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia to aid in its conflict against Ukraine, according to Reuters. Additionally, Ukrainian authorities previously have said that Russia received weapons, including ballistic missiles, from North Korea.

What prompted the construction of the bridge? Construction on the bridge started in 2025 after officials agreed to build the bridge during leader Vladimir Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea. The trip marked Putin’s first trip to Pyongyang in 24 years.