Putin gifts car to Kim: A $175,000 present

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted a Russian-made luxury car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

As the two countries have recently been developing closer ties, Putin's gesture toward the North Korean leader has drawn attention from the world press.

Speaking to the Russian state news agency TASS, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the gifted vehicle is an Aurus and was delivered by a Russian delegation that visited North Korea last Sunday.

The North Korean leader's sister, Kim Yo Jong, stated in a comment to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) that “This gift is a clear demonstration of the special personal relationship between the leaders of North Korea and Russia.”

According to a report by CNN, U.S. intelligence officials are concerned about the strategic cooperation that has recently developed between North Korea and Russia. Russia has repeatedly used North Korean-made short-range missiles in the war in Ukraine so far. According to CNN, the U.S. fears that North Korea may reduce China's influence over them thanks to its close relationship with Russia. It is interpreted that China's influence over North Korea is the most significant obstacle to North Korea advancing its nuclear weapons program.

In September 2023, Kim Jong Un paid a visit to Moscow, where he stated, “I will always stand with Russia.” During the same visit, Putin introduced Aurus vehicles to Kim Jong Un and asked for his opinion on the cars.

The sale of luxury goods to North Korea was banned by a United Nations resolution. Despite this, the imposed embargo has not prevented the North Korean leader from using luxury vehicles. Kim Jong Un had previously attended a meeting with U.S. officials in a Rolls-Royce.    

News Source: 12punto