Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, presented a luxurious Russian Aurus limousine to Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The gift comes from a visit to Russia
The decision was the result of the North Korean leader's visit to Russia in September 2023, during which Putin showed Kim one of the armored limousines in which he travels. While touring the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Kim seemed to like the vehicle. “When the leader of North Korea was at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, he looked at this car, Putin personally showed it to him, and like many people, Kim liked this car,” Peskov said.
Strengthen relations with countries hostile to the United States
Since the start of the war with Ukraine, Russia has strengthened ties with North Korea and other countries hostile to the United States, such as Iran ties that have raised concerns in the West. The USA accuses North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery ammunition and missiles used in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang deny the US allegations but promised last year to deepen military ties.
Receiving the gift in North Korea
The Russian limousine was handed over by the Russian side to Kim's top staff on February 18, North Korea's official news agency KCNA said. According to the agency, Kim “politely” thanked Putin for the memory, which was seen as a clear sign of the special personal ties between the two leaders.
South Korea's reaction
South Korea's foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring cooperation between Russia and North Korea and called on both countries to abide by UN Security Council resolutions. According to these resolutions, the delivery, sale or indirect transfer of all luxury transportation vehicles to North Korea is prohibited.
Kim Jong Un and his penchant for luxury cars
Kim Jong Un is known for his passion for luxury cars and has an extensive collection of these vehicles, which was likely smuggled. The collection includes models such as several Mercedes sedans, a RollsRoyce Phantom and a Lexus SUV, which are classified as luxury goods for export to North Korea under UN Security Council resolutions. When Kim visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome, he rode in a Maybach limousine that had been transported on a special train directly from Pyongyang.