"A Personal Gift" from Putin to North Korean Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a Russian-made car, according to official media in Pyongyang on Tuesday, as part of strengthening ties between the two countries. This gift could constitute a violation of sanctions on vehicle imports imposed by the United Nations on Pyongyang in 2017, which Russia also signed. The North Korean news agency reported that Kim "received a car made in Russia for his personal use from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation." The agency added that Kim's influential sister, Yo Jong, stated that "the gift is clear evidence of the special personal relationships between the top leaders" of both countries. The agency did not specify the model of the car. Since the North Korean leader's visit to Russia last year, relations between Pyongyang and Moscow have been warming. A group of Russian tourists arrived in North Korea earlier this month for a four-day trip, marking the first known foreign group to visit the country since the borders were closed due to the COVID pandemic. Kim is known for his taste in luxury cars and has been seen using Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.