Russia, North Korea Intensifying Ties With Bridge Despite North Korean Deaths

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

MOSCOW/PYONGYANG/SEOUL (Worthy News) – Russia and North Korea have begun constructing a road bridge to strengthen their “strategic partnership” despite reports that hundreds of North Korean soldiers have died fighting for Russia.

The two countries confirmed that the bridge is constructed on the Tumen River, which forms the natural border between the allied nations.

Wednesday’s announcement came shortly after South Korean lawmakers said some 600 North Korean troops had been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000.

North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties so far, “including injuries and deaths,” the lawmakers said, citing South Korea’s intelligence sources.

However, its troops have shown signs of improved combat capabilities over about six months by using modern weapons like drones, the lawmakers added.

Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, said. It comes after South Korean lawmakers said about 600 North Korean troops had been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine.

SIX MONTHS WARFARE

“After six months of participation in the war, the North Korean military has become less inept, and its combat capability has significantly improved as it becomes accustomed to using new weapons such as drones,” Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, told reporters, after being briefed by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

In return for dispatching troops and supplying weapons to Russia, Pyongyang appears to have received technical assistance on spy satellites, as well as drones and anti-air missiles, they said.

That was expected to raise eyebrows within South Korea and among allies who are already concerned about North Korea’s ongoing nuclear program.

Besides military support, North Korea also benefits from economic cooperation, underscored by constructing the Russian-North Korean road bridge on the Tumen River, which forms the natural border between the allied countries.

Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the plan would reduce transport costs, facilitate trade, and promote tourism.

“This is truly a milestone for Russian-Korean relations,” Mishustin said during a video meeting with Pak Thae-song, chairman of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly.

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