Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a Russian-made car for his personal use, as reported by North Korea’s state media. The specific details of the vehicle and its shipment were not disclosed in the report. However, observers have raised concerns that this gift may violate a U.N. resolution prohibiting the supply of luxury items to North Korea in an effort to pressure the country to abandon its nuclear weapons.
Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, along with another North Korean official, accepted the gift on Sunday and conveyed her brother’s gratitude to Putin, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Kim Yo Jong emphasized that the gift symbolized the special personal relationship between the two leaders.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has strengthened notably since Kim's visit to Russia in September last year for a summit with Putin. During that visit, Putin showcased his personal Anrus Senat limousine to Kim, further solidifying their rapport.
Russia's state-run Tass news agency reported that Aurus, the luxury car brand, has been utilized in the motorcades of top officials, including Putin, since its introduction in 2018. Kim Jong Un, known for owning various foreign-made luxury cars, has reportedly acquired these vehicles through means that breach U.N. sanctions.
Kim's possession of expensive foreign limousines highlights the challenges in enforcing international sanctions on North Korea. Despite being a permanent Security Council member, Russia supported the ban on luxury goods to North Korea, even though it had the power to veto the resolution.
The growing ties between North Korea and Russia occur amidst their separate disputes with the United States and its allies. North Korea faces criticism for its nuclear program, while Russia is embroiled in a prolonged conflict with Ukraine. Allegations have surfaced that North Korea is supplying conventional arms to Russia for its Ukrainian operations in exchange for advanced Russian weapons technologies and other forms of support.
Following a visit by North Korea's foreign minister to Russia in January, state media from North Korea reported Putin's expressed interest in visiting North Korea in the near future.
