Seoul: North Korea and Russia have opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, marking a new phase in connectivity between the two countries as their military and economic ties continue to deepen.

The bridge links the North Korean border city of Rason with Russia’s Khasan. The opening ceremony was held on Monday and attended virtually by North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

North Korean state media described the bridge as a new symbol of friendship and said it would help strengthen economic cooperation, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and the movement of goods.

New bridge expands North Korea-Russia connectivity

Construction of the bridge began in April 2025, following a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang in June 2024.

The new crossing is designed to accommodate road traffic between the two countries, with Russia expecting freight and passenger movement to grow. Until now, the only land crossing between North Korea and Russia was a railway bridge over the Tumen River.

Russian government footage showed trucks from both sides crossing the newly opened bridge as people gathered along the route for the ceremony.

Mishustin said the launch of the first automobile route would further strengthen the connection between the two countries, while Pak described the bridge as adding new momentum to bilateral cooperation.

The bridge has been named after Yakov Novichenko, a Soviet Red Army officer who was credited with saving Kim Il-sung's life in 1946.

Also read | War likely to continue through winter, Zelenskyy says amid talks with US envoys

Bridge opens amid closer military ties

The infrastructure project comes as Moscow and Pyongyang have significantly expanded their strategic partnership since Russia launched its war in Ukraine.

North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia in 2024 to support its forces during fighting in the Kursk region, according to Ukraine and Western governments. Kyiv has also accused Russia of using North Korean missiles in attacks on Ukraine.

The two countries signed a defence treaty in 2024 that includes a commitment to provide mutual assistance if either side comes under attack.

The deepening relationship has raised questions over whether the new road link could facilitate greater military as well as commercial cooperation.

Ukrainian rights group Truth Hounds has previously warned that the bridge could potentially be used to move North Korean troops, construction workers and military officials into Russia, while Russian technology and resources could move in the opposite direction.

Also read | Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un pledge deeper China-North Korea ties during rare Pyongyang summit

Economic and tourism links also grow

Beyond defence cooperation, the bridge is expected to support greater trade and movement between the neighbouring countries.

North Korea has increasingly turned towards Russia for economic cooperation amid its prolonged isolation and international sanctions. Russian tourism to North Korea has also grown in recent years, although Pyongyang has periodically tightened or closed its borders.

A South Korean central bank estimate released in July said North Korea's economy grew by more than 3 per cent for a third consecutive year in 2025, with expanded economic cooperation with Russia identified as a major factor.

The bank also said North Korea's foreign-currency earnings received a boost from the deployment of its troops to Russia.

With the new road bridge now operational, the expanding physical connection adds another dimension to the rapidly strengthening relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.