The South Korean government detected signs of North Korea and Russia preparing to break ground for a bridge to cross the Tumen River flowing between the two countries.

On Wednesday, Seoul's unification ministry revealed satellite imagery showing that a construction site had been cleared.
 
The ministry speculated that facilities associated with a groundbreaking ceremony had been installed in the area.

Last June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to construct a bridge for passenger vehicles as the river is currently spanned only by a railway bridge.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency also reported on the bridge construction, saying Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is expected to virtually attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.

North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song is also likely to attend.

The bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.