Vladimir Putin gifts Russian car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Vladimir Putin gifts Russian car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted a Russian-made car for personal use to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to showcase their special relationship, according to a report by North Korea’s state media.

The report did not specify the type of vehicle or the shipping method, raising concerns about potential violations of a UN resolution prohibiting the supply of luxury items to North Korea as a means to pressure the country to abandon its nuclear weapons.

Accepting the gift on Sunday, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong conveyed gratitude to Putin, emphasizing the special personal relationship between the leaders. She said that the gesture underscores the increased cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly since Kim’s summit with Putin in September of the previous year.

During that visit, Putin showcased his personal Anrus Senat limousine to Kim at Russia’s primary spaceport. The Aurus brand, as reported by Russia’s state-run Tass news agency, is the first Russian luxury car brand, utilized in the motorcades of top officials, including Putin, since its inauguration in 2018.

Kim, known for possessing numerous foreign-made luxury cars allegedly smuggled into North Korea in violation of UN resolutions, used a Maybach limousine during his visit to Russia in 2019. This luxury vehicle, transported in one of Kim’s special train carriages, was employed for travel between meeting sites. Kim’s ownership of expensive foreign limousines highlights the porous nature of international sanctions on North Korea.

Despite being a permanent Security Council member with the power to veto resolutions, Russia voted in favor of the ban on supplying luxury goods to North Korea. The ties between North Korea and Russia have however grown, especially as both countries are engaged in separate confrontations with the United States and its allies. North Korea faces scrutiny for its advancing nuclear program, while Russia is embroiled in a protracted war with Ukraine.

Accusations by the US, South Korea and their allies suggest that North Korea may be providing conventional arms to Russia in exchange for advanced Russian weapons technologies and other support for its war in Ukraine.

Following a Russian visit in January, the North Korean state media reported Putin’s expressed willingness to visit North Korea at an early date.

(With agency inputs)

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