North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been seen using a luxurious Russian limousine, a gift from President Vladimir Putin. This gesture was lauded by Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who emphasized the vehicle’s “special function” and hailed the deepening ties between the two nations.
In February, President Putin sent Kim an Aurus Senat limousine, following their summit meeting in Russia the previous September. Despite concerns that this act breached a United Nations resolution prohibiting luxury item supply to North Korea, Kim Yo Jong asserted the significance of the gift in enhancing the friendship between North Korea and Russia.
The Aurus Senat, produced by the Russian luxury car brand Aurus, holds the distinction of being the first of its kind. Since Putin’s inauguration ceremony in 2018, it has been utilized in motorcades for top officials.
Kim Jong Un, known for his collection of foreign luxury cars, has reportedly received various models through smuggling. During his visit to Russia, he traversed between meeting sites in a Maybach limousine, brought along in one of his special train carriages. Other notable vehicles in his possession include a Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has witnessed significant enhancement over the past year, particularly in military and other forms of cooperation. Both nations have faced scrutiny from the West for separate issues—North Korea for its nuclear program and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Of concern has been North Korea’s alleged provision of conventional weapons to aid Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, in exchange for advanced Russian military technologies and support.
Russia, alongside China, has consistently opposed attempts by the United States and its allies to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on North Korea, particularly in response to its continued missile tests.
The utilization of the Russian limousine by Kim Jong Un symbolizes not only the personal ties between the leaders of North Korea and Russia but also underscores the deepening cooperation between the two nations amidst international pressure and scrutiny.
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