Russia and North Korea open first road bridge between countries

Russia and North Korea opened their first road bridge on Monday, September 7, 2026. The bridge crosses the Tumen River and is one kilometre long. It has two lanes and can handle up to 300 vehicles per day. It is named after Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin joined the opening ceremony by video link. Construction started in April 2025, after President Putin visited North Korea in 2024. A rail bridge has stood nearby since 1959, and air and rail links to Moscow already exist. The two countries have grown much closer since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They signed a defence treaty in 2024, and North Korea has sent troops to support Russian forces.