Satellite images reveal the new bridge connecting North Korea and Russia (and why it's considered strategically important).

Source of the image, Russian Ministry of Transport. Caption: An image released by the Russian Ministry of Transport shows the ceremony marking the connection of the two sides of the new road bridge. 7 minutes Reading time: 4 min The first bridge connecting North Korea and Russia is nearing completion, according to images analyzed by BBC Verify. This is the latest sign of the deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, which has led North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine. "This bridge will offer a useful route for transporting military goods and ammunition between North Korea and Russia," explains Edward Howell of the Korea Foundation at the Chatham House think tank. The new road over the Tumen River is located a few meters from the other bridge connecting the two countries: a railway line known as the "Bridge of Friendship." The latest satellite images show the bridge, which is one kilometer long, along with several new access roads, a border post, support infrastructure, and parking areas. Experts say the bridge will also become an important trade route between the two countries. The agreement to build the bridge was reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, when he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Construction began a year ago, and the BBC has been using satellite images to track its progress. [More] Most Read and Continue Reading Most Read End of Most Read The total cost of the bridge is estimated to be US$120 million, according to Russian state media. "The speed of construction is a reflection of the volume of trade between the two countries," says Victor Cha, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). "This is largely due to North Korea's supply of troops, weapons, ammunition, and labor for Putin's war in Ukraine," he said. A symbolic bridge [Podcast] Improbable The new BBC Mundo podcast about a love that triumphed against all odds Episodes End of Podcast According to CSIS, it is likely that Russian and North Korean drivers will transfer trucks loaded with goods at the border crossing, as they will not be allowed to drive the vehicles beyond their respective territories. The two countries held a ceremony on April 21 to mark the joining of the two sides of the bridge, and the Russian embassy in North Korea has said that the construction is expected to be completed on June 19. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the opening of the bridge "will become a truly historic stage in Russian-Korean relations. Its importance goes far beyond a purely engineering task." Rail traffic across the "Bridge of Friendship" has remained high during the construction of the road bridge, while trade between the two countries has expanded, according to CSIS. "It is fair to say that this connection, before the war in Ukraine, was one of the least active links between North Korea and its two neighbors," said Cha. In addition to agreeing to build the bridge, Putin and Kim signed a historic agreement during the 2024 visit, committing Russia and North Korea to help each other in the event of "aggression" against either country. Source of the image, Getty Images Caption: Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in 2024. According to South Korea, the North has sent about 15,000 soldiers to help Russia in its invasion, along with missiles and long-range weapons. Seoul also estimates that about 2,000 North Koreans have died in the conflict. Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has confirmed these figures, but Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov inaugurated a memorial in Pyongyang last week for North Koreans who have died fighting in the war in Ukraine. Belousov said that he discussed long-term military cooperation with North Korean officials, according to Russian news agencies. In exchange for providing soldiers and artillery, North Korea is believed to have received food, fuel, and military technology from Russia. "The construction of the bridge exemplifies how North Korea's ties with Russia seem destined to continue beyond any end to the war in Ukraine," concluded Howell. Click here to read more stories from BBC News Mundo. And remember that you can receive notifications in our app. Download the latest version and activate them.