Russia-North Korea bridge near Haseong sparks Ukrainian security worries

A new road bridge is nearing completion near the remote Russian village of Haseong, the only land link between Russia and North Korea. The existing 1959 rail bridge over the Tumen River has been the sole connection, but the parallel automobile bridge is now almost finished.

The project follows a June 2024 strategic partnership agreement signed by President Vladimir Putin and Chairman Kim Jong Un, which deepened military cooperation, including the possible deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials fear the bridge could facilitate the movement of soldiers and weapons, heightening security concerns.

Official trade between the two countries remains minimal—about $34 million in 2024—while construction costs for the bridge and related infrastructure total roughly $100 million. Satellite imagery shows large storage facilities, customs bays, truck parking areas and a helicopter pad being built alongside the bridge.