North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made headlines recently when it was revealed that he was using a Russian luxury limousine gifted to him by President Vladimir Putin. This lavish gift, a high-end Aurus Senat limousine, was given to Kim by Putin during a summit in Russia back in February. The two leaders have been building a relationship, much to the dismay of many observers who believe that this violates a United Nations resolution banning the supply of luxury items to North Korea.
The Aurus brand is the first Russian luxury car brand, and it has been used in motorcades of top officials since Putin showcased it during his inauguration ceremony in 2018. Kim Jong Un, known for his extravagant taste, already has a collection of foreign-made luxury cars in his possession. This includes a Maybach limousine that he used during his visit to Russia, where he also brought along a Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62 for his travels between meeting sites.
Despite the concerns raised by the international community regarding North Korea’s nuclear program and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the two countries have been increasing their military and other cooperation. Russia and China have stood by North Korea, blocking attempts by the United States and its allies to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on the reclusive regime. There have been reports of North Korea providing conventional weapons to support Russia in its war with Ukraine, in exchange for high-tech Russian weapons technologies and other assistance.
Kim Jong Un has been actively involved in overseeing military drills in North Korea, particularly in response to joint South Korean-U.S. military exercises. Recently, he guided his troops in parachuting training, emphasizing the need for intense preparation for potential conflict. This comes on the heels of other drills involving tanks, long-range artillery guns, and combat soldiers.
The use of the Russian luxury limousine by Kim Jong Un may be seen as a symbol of the growing friendship between North Korea and Russia. However, it also raises questions about the extent of their cooperation and the implications for regional and global security. The lavish gift from Putin highlights the complexities of geopolitics and the delicate balance of power in the region.