Russia’s two closest cities will be just 500 metres apart by 2027

A tiny gap and a historic upgrade will soon unite two settlements as Russia’s nearest neighbors. Urban planners are watching this unprecedented pairing unfold.

, and Administrator

2025 December 12 . 11:46 PM

1 min read

In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are... — In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

Russia’s two closest cities will be just 500 metres apart by 2027

Yablonovsky and Krasnodar are set to become the closest neighbouring cities in southern Russia by mid-2027. The two settlements, separated by just 500 metres, will link different federal subjects once Yablonovsky officially gains city status. This unusual proximity has drawn attention from both officials and urban planners.

The short distance between the two locations was first highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2021. He noted that Yablonovsky and Krasnodar could soon rank among the country's nearest cities.

The formal upgrade of Yablonovsky will make it and Krasnodar the closest cities in Russia. Their 500-metre separation will create a unique urban pairing by mid-2027. The bridge and administrative changes will solidify their status as the country's nearest neighbours.