The opening of a road bridge connecting North Korea and Russia is likely to be delayed, according to a US think tank. The bridge, which spans the Tumen River, was expected to open in mid-June but satellite imagery shows that Russian-side facilities are still unfinished.
Background
The 850-metre bridge was agreed upon during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. It is expected to increase logistics activity by more than 40% and help North Korea reduce its reliance on China by deepening economic ties with Russia.
Analysts say the delay is unlikely to cause immediate economic damage but raises questions about policy coordination between Moscow and Pyongyang. The issue is more about trust and symbolism than economic impact, according to Doo Jin-ho, head of the Eurasia Center at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy in Seoul.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
