Work on a new road bridge linking Russia and North Korea over the Tumen River is behind schedule, according to a think tank.
On Tuesday, June 30th, analysts from 38 North used satellite imagery to show that facilities on the Russian side remain unfinished. Earlier announcements from the Russian transport ministry suggested that the project was on track for completion. Back in April, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang claimed that it would open on June 19th this year.
Doo Jin-ho, head of the Eurasia Center at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy in Seoul, described how with the late-running bridge the real
issue is more about trust and symbolism than economic impact.
In other words, construction and completion delays on the Russian side look unlikely to harm the practical relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, at least in the short term. Since 2024, the Hermit Kingdom has been sending troops to fight (and often die) in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
