Kathmandu— For years, Khasan was a remote village in Russia's far east with little more than 500 residents. However, it is now home to a controversial road bridge nearing completion that could potentially facilitate military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, raising concerns among Ukrainian officials about the possibility of secret troop movements.

Strategic Partnership Deepens

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their ties. In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership deal that included expanding military cooperation. This agreement led to the construction of a new road bridge near Khasan, which is now nearing completion ahead of schedule.

Economic Significance Debated

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin stated that the opening of the new bridge would boost bilateral trade and strengthen cultural ties. However, Ukrainian human rights organization Truth Hounds questions whether civilian economic goals are the project's true purpose. Trade between Russia and North Korea amounted to just $34 million in 2024, while the bridge is estimated to cost around $100 million.

Military Transport Concerns

Truth Hounds argues that road transport via the new bridge is harder to monitor by satellite than rail transport. The organization suggests that North Korea has already sent between 14,000 and 15,000 personnel to support Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on X that Russia could deploy up to 30,000 additional North Korean troops through the new bridge.

Technological Exchange Speculation

Zelenskyy also noted that North Korea might be receiving some Russian nuclear technology in exchange for its support in Ukraine. He warned that these developments pose a threat to everyone in Asia who lives within range of North Korean missiles.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.