North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their booming ties.

The announcement comes after North Korea confirmed for the first time its soldiers are fighting alongside Russia.

The new road bridge, which has been under discussion for years, will be 850 metres (2789 ft) and link up with the Russian highway system. Its construction was agreed during a visit by President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in 2024. Russia's Kommersant newspaper said the bridge will be ready by the summer of 2026.