Putin gives Kim Jong Un a car Alain Berset in Kiev +++ Defective helicopter pilot probably dead

According to state media reports, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received a car as a gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin as a sign of their good relations. Moscow handed over the Russian-made vehicle for Kim’s “personal use.” The car was received on Sunday by a secretary of the Workers’ Party Central Committee and Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, North Korean media reported on Tuesday. Kim Yo Jong conveyed Kim’s gratitude to Putin, describing the gift as a “clear demonstration of the special personal relationships between the two leaders.”

It was not stated what make of car it was. In South Korea there were suspicions that the gift could fall under the category of luxury goods and therefore violate UN resolutions. These prohibit, among other things, the export of such goods to North Korea. The country, which is authoritarianly ruled by Kim Jong Un, is subject to international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program.

During Kim’s visit to Russia last September, Putin showed Kim a Russian luxury limousine from the Aurus brand, which also serves as the president’s state car. Since the visit, both countries have significantly expanded their cooperation. A UN expert report recently stated that North Korea imported significantly more goods in 2023 and expanded its trade with its new partner Russia. The US government announced in October that North Korea had sent military equipment and ammunition to Russia for the war in Ukraine. (sda/dpa)