**North Korea Begins Construction of First Road Bridge to Russia: A New Era of Cooperation**

**In a significant move towards deeper bilateral ties, North Korea has initiated the construction of its first road bridge to Russia, set to enhance connectivity and cooperation between the two nations.**

North Korea has officially commenced construction on its inaugural road bridge to Russia, deemed a "significant" advancement in the bilateral relationship, as reported by the state-run KCNA news agency. The bridge is planned to cross the Tumen River in the northeastern part of North Korea, alongside the Soviet-era Friendship Bridge, which is currently the sole land link between the two countries. As per Russia's Kommersant newspaper, the bridge is anticipated to be finished by mid-2026.

This development follows North Korea's recent confirmation of troop deployment to assist Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking a notable shift in military support between the two isolated nations. The construction serves as the latest indication of the strengthening relationship between North Korea and Russia, who have increasingly collaborated amid escalating tensions since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

The agreement to build the bridge was forged during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea last year, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un established a "comprehensive strategic partnership." This partnership represents the highest level of engagement between the two countries. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who presided over the groundbreaking event, emphasized that the bridge symbolizes a deeper commitment to fostering friendly relations and enhancing regional cooperation.

The timing of the bridge's construction coincides with reports from South Korean lawmakers indicating that around 600 North Korean soldiers have reportedly lost their lives while fighting on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. In a reciprocal arrangement, Moscow is believed to have offered North Korea assistance with military technology including satellite capabilities, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles.

Earlier in the week, North Korean officials claimed that their troops had successfully "liberated" the Russian region of Kursk, amidst ongoing reports of combat in the area, raising further concerns over the ramifications of this deepening alliance.