Russia and North Korea open their first cross-border road bridge

On September 7, 2026, Russia and North Korea officially inaugurated their first road bridge across the Tumen River. The approximately one-kilometer-long structure connects Khasan in Russia's Far East with Tumangang in North Korea, located in a sparsely populated area near the coast. The bridge has been named after Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko. Construction of the project began in April 2025, following a bilateral agreement reached during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who attended the ceremony via video link, stated that the infrastructure is expected to boost tourism, trade, economic activity, and scientific cooperation between the two nations. Following the ceremony, the first convoys of vehicles from both countries crossed the new bridge. This road link complements existing rail and air connections, with the new structure situated near the historic "Bridge of Friendship" which was built in 1959. Both nations view the project as a significant milestone in their expanding strategic partnership, which has deepened considerably since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.