Russia and North Korea to Build Bridge Across Tumen River

Russia and North Korea will soon begin building a bridge across the Tumen River, as confirmed by Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora. The bridge, which is part of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement from Putin’s 2024 visit, is expected to facilitate increased exchanges between the two nations while complicating existing international sanctions. Additionally, North Korea has bolstered military support to Russia amid ongoing conflicts.

Russia and North Korea are set to commence the construction of a bridge across the Tumen River, as confirmed by Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, on March 27, with coverage by Reuters. This construction was stipulated during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, where a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement was established.

The new bridge will be situated near an existing railway bridge that has been operational since 1959, post Korean War. Historical context shows a wooden bridge previously facilitated border crossings in the early 20th century before its destruction. The Russian ambassador clarified, “Construction of the bridge has not started yet,” indicating that preparations for design finalization and team formations are currently underway.

The bridge, which has been a topic of discussion for several years, will measure 850 meters in length and integrate with Russia’s highway infrastructure. A report by South Korea’s SI Analytics indicated that preliminary work on the bridge’s foundations and approaches may have begun. It suggests that this bridge could lead to a notable uptick in economic, social, and military exchanges, potentially undermining the effectiveness of international sanctions on both nations.

Additionally, as reported by AP News, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia to mitigate losses faced in the Ukraine conflict. They also highlighted North Korea’s contribution of missiles, artillery, and ammunition to Russia, including a notable number of short-range ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers.

It is reported that North Korea has sent around 11,000 troops to support Russia, marking its first significant military engagement since the Korean War, with casual estimates pointing to approximately 4,000 soldiers either killed or injured during this involvement.

In conclusion, the construction of a bridge between Russia and North Korea represents a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, furthering military and economic exchanges. The anticipated infrastructure developments may play a crucial role in diminishing the impact of international sanctions against both nations. The involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict illustrates a pivotal shift in the geopolitical landscape, reinforcing the emerging partnership between Russia and North Korea.

Original Source: bnn-news.com