Putin Gifts Sedan to Kim Jong-un... Kim Yo-jong Praises It as an "Excellent Present"

Possible Violation of UN Security Council Sanctions on North Korea

On September 13 last year, Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, was seen riding in the rear seat of Vladimir Putin, President of Russia's, exclusive car 'Aurus' at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, Russia.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un a Russian-made passenger car. Although the model has not been disclosed, it is speculated to be the luxury car "Aurus," often referred to as the "Russian Rolls-Royce."

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on the 20th that Party Secretary Pak Jong-chon and Party Vice Director Kim Yo-jong received the car gift from President Putin on the 18th.

The agency quoted Vice Director Kim saying, "This gift is a clear symbol of the special friendship between the leaders of the two countries, North Korea and Russia, and is the finest present," and explained that she respectfully conveyed Kim Jong-un's gratitude to President Putin.

The exact model of the car sent by President Putin to Kim Jong-un has not been confirmed. However, some analysts suggest it could be the Russian-made Aurus, which Putin introduced to Kim during his visit last year.

In September last year, President Putin and Kim Jong-un met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, about 1,000 km from Vladivostok. At that time, President Putin showed Kim the Aurus car he was riding.

Kim Jong-un arrived at the meeting venue in a Maybach vehicle brought from North Korea. After inspecting the exterior of the Aurus introduced by President Putin, he also sat in the back seat with him.

The Aurus is a dedicated armored ceremonial vehicle first used at President Putin's inauguration in May 2019. It is used by key government officials such as the Russian president, prime minister, and cabinet members. It is known that at least 12.4 billion rubles (approximately 170 billion KRW) were spent on its design and production.

This gift of a passenger car from President Putin is likely a violation of the UN Security Council's sanctions against North Korea. UN Security Council Resolution 2397, adopted in December 2017, prohibits the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of transportation means to North Korea.