North Korea and Russia open their first road bridge, a symbol of expanding ties

Russia and North Korea opened their first dedicated road bridge across the Tumen River — a 1 km, two‑lane link able to handle up to 300 vehicles a day and immediately used by cargo trucks, connecting to Russia’s federal road network.
The ribbon‑cutting was a choreographed display of friendship (Russian PM and North Korean premier joined by video); the bridge is named after Yakov Novichenko and billed as a new symbol of cooperation.
The project underscores deepening ties since 2022 — including reported North Korean military support to Russia in 2024 — with clear trade and geopolitical implications.