Putin Gifts Kim Jong Un a Russian Car

Putin Gifts Kim Jong Un a Russian Car

In an unusual gesture between two leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Jun, as revealed by North Korean state media on Tuesday. This act is perceived as a continuation of the strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Unification, however, considers this as a breach of the sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations in 2017. These sanctions, which Russia also signed, prohibit the import of vehicles into North Korea.

An official from the ministry, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized North Korea for blatantly showcasing this violation of UN sanctions. The official also pointed out that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, needs to uphold international norms and refrain from actions that contradict them.

As reported by the state news agency KCNA, “Kim Jong Un was presented with a Russian-manufactured car for personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation.” Kim Jong Un’s influential sister, Yo Jong, declared that the gift signified the close personal relationship between the leaders of the two nations. The model of the vehicle was not disclosed in this report.

Since Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia in the previous year, the alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow seems to have deepened. Earlier this month, a group of Russian tourists visited North Korea for a four-day trip, marking the first known foreign group to enter the country since its pandemic-induced border closures.

Following the September summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in Russia, the United States and South Korea have repeatedly alleged that North Korea has been sending weapons to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict, in return for Russian support on North Korean satellite programs. Both countries anticipate another visit from the Russian leader to Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un is notable for his preference for luxury vehicles, having been seen in Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz S-class models. A 2021 United Nations report documented an attempt to transport luxury vehicles worth over $1 million from the United Arab Emirates to Ningbo, China, with the intended final destination being North Korea.

During Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia last year, he was invited by Vladimir Putin to sit in the back seat of his Aurus Senat presidential limousine. The North Korean leader had arrived in his own Maybach limousine, which was specially transported by train from North Korea.