The one-kilometer, two-lane bridge spanning the Tumen River, which saw its first flag-adorned trucks cross on Monday, marks the first road link between the two countries. Previously, Russia and North Korea were only connected by air and rail routes. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song addressed officials via video link, with Mishustin stating the bridge could handle up to 300 vehicles daily and would be integrated into Russia's federal road network. The opening symbolizes a deepening of relations, which have significantly strengthened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict that has seen Pyongyang send troops to aid Moscow.