JNS: In a symbolic gesture of strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, Vladimir Putin has reportedly gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a luxury Russian Aurus limousine.
However, this act has raised concerns among observers, as it may violate a U.N. resolution that prohibits supplying luxury items to North Korea in an effort to pressure the country to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
The Russian-made limousine was delivered to Kim’s top aides by the Russian side on February 18, according to North Korea’s official KCNA news agency. The limousine is said to be similar to the black armored limousines used by Putin.
The decision to gift the Aurus to Kim reportedly came after the North Korean leader expressed admiration for the car when Putin showed it to him during their meeting last year. The two leaders met in September at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport located above the 51st parallel north in the Amur Oblast, in the Russian Far East.
According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the gift is seen as a “clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the two leaders.” Putin had showcased his presidential Aurus Senat limousine to Kim during their meeting last year, offering him the opportunity to sit in the Russian-made luxury vehicle.
Despite the gesture, it remains unclear whether the vehicle gifted to Kim is an Aurus Senat limousine. However, reports suggest that Putin’s gift could potentially violate the United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea for its nuclear weapons program.am.
