North Korea: Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented a car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in recognition of their special personal relationship. According to reports, the Russian-made car was delivered to Kim’s top aides, including his sister Kim Yo Jong, for the North Korean leader’s “personal use.”
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) states that, Kim Yo Jong has courteously conveyed Kim Jong Un’s thanks to President Putin to the Russian side, stating that the gift demonstrates the special relationship between the top leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia.
Putin’s gift seems to violate United Nations sanctions against North Korea, which prohibit the supply of all “transportation vehicles.” There are reports that Kim owns a significant collection of high-end automobiles and that he travels in a Mercedes-Maybach S600, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Lexus LX 570.
During his visit to the Far East of Russia in September, Kim admired Putin’s presidential car, the Aurus Senat, and was invited by the Russian leader to sit in the back seat of the vehicle. In February 2022, Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in stronger ties between Putin and Kim.
Kim wished Putin victory over the “imperialists’ anti-Russia scheme” in a letter commemorating the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between their countries. It has been noted that the United States and South Korea are concerned about the increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Seoul, Tokyo and Washington have condemned Russia for testing ballistic missile technology, possibly helping it launch a successful North Korean spy satellite in November.
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