North Korea and Russia open the Yakov Novichenko Bridge...

North Korea and Russia open the Yakov Novichenko Bridge across the Tumen River, creating their first dedicated road link. The 1,005-metre bridge connects Khasan in Russia with Tumangang in North Korea’s Rason zone and enables direct vehicle movement between Vladivostok and Chongjin. It replaces an outdated system where road vehicles depended on temporary planks over a rail bridge. The crossing prioritizes cargo first, with passenger traffic expected later. Strategically, it deepens Russia-North Korea ties and may expand trade, tourism, and sanctions-sensitive military logistics.

Monday, 7 September, 2026