North Korea and Russia are preparing to strengthen their longstanding strategic partnerships with a new infrastructure project. A 4-kilometer long bridge, planned to be completed by the end of 2026, will link the north of North Korea to the east of Russia.

A new and massive bridge construction is set to begin between Russia and North Korea. The new project will be built next to an existing railway bridge that connects North Korea to the east of Russia.

EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 2026 The 4-kilometer long bridge, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will create a connection between the northern part of North Korea and eastern Russia. The bridge will be located close to the existing “Friendship Bridge” railway connection inaugurated in 1959. This project, which will be constructed over the Tumen River serving as a natural border between Russia, North Korea, and China, aims to strengthen connections in the region.

STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES According to NK News, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a surprise decree in February, entrusting the ambitious project to a Russian company. Although construction has not yet begun, the green light was given following Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024. Putin’s contacts were considered a milestone showing the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

PREPARATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING Russia’s Ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora, stated, “The parties are currently finalizing design documents, forming construction teams, and collecting necessary equipment.” Matsegora, in his statement to the Russian state news agency RIA, mentioned that the construction process of the bridge has not yet started but preparations are ongoing. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu also announced during his visit to Pyongyang last Friday that he informed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un about the ongoing communication between the USA and Russia.