Russian Far East in the System of Transportation Links between Europe and Asia

The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state and prospects of Russian railways operating in the conditions of international integration, to identify the factors of mutual interest and possible risks of multilateral cooperation in transit using the potential of the Russian Federation. The outlets to the Baltic Sea and the Sea of Japan allow Russian government to suggest using Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur railways for Europe-Asia transport routes. The authors consider the most urgent problems of implementing the existing plans: the radical modernization of the railway infrastructure, the use of new technologies and the revision of the organization of transportation. To solve these problems the Russian leadership has offered and implemented various development programs. It also is trying to decide a point of attracting foreign capital. Special attention is paid to the cooperation between the Russian Federation and North Korea, South Korea and China. The implementation of joint projects will enhance regional cooperation and promote a safety zone for their participants. The authors conclude that the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur railways retain their strategic importance as transportation links between Asia and Europe