Putin Calls Sakhalin–Mainland Bridge 'Necessary' Despite Cost

Overview

• Vladimir Putin said a bridge linking Sakhalin to mainland Russia is necessary despite its high cost.
• He made the remark at a meeting in Moscow with representatives of minority peoples, as reported by Kyodo News and published by Hokkaido Shimbun Digital.
• He said the supporting roads and related infrastructure would cost more than the bridge itself.
• No approval, budget, design work, or timeline has been announced, and Sakhalin still depends on sea and air links.
• The idea dates to the Soviet era, and in 2020 a senior aide said the plan was shelved as too expensive.