The Russian-made car was given to Kim for his “personal use,” North Korea's state-run KCNA says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a car in recognition of their “special personal relationships,” state media reported.
The Russian-made car, whose make and model were not disclosed, was delivered to Kim's top advisers, including his sister Kim Yo Jong, on February 18 for the North Korean leader's “personal use,” state news agency Central reported. Korean. (KCNA) said on Monday.
“Kim Yo Jong politely conveyed Kim Jong Un's gratitude to Putin to the Russian side, saying that the gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders of the DPRK and Russia and as the best,” KCNA said . referring to North Korea by its official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Putin's gift appears to violate Moscow-backed United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang, which prohibit the supply of all “transport vehicles” to North Korea.
Kim is believed to own an extensive collection of high-end cars and has been seen traveling in luxury models including the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Lexus LX 570.
During his visit to Russia's Far East in September, Kim admired Putin's Aurus Senat presidential limousine and the Russian leader invited him to sit in the back seat.
Putin and Kim, both increasingly isolated on the international stage, have forged closer ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In October, Kim wished Putin victory over the “imperialists' anti-Russian plan” in a letter commemorating the 75th anniversary of their countries' bilateral relations, state media reported.
The United States and its ally South Korea have expressed concern about growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
South Korea's spy agency said in November that Russia likely helped North Korea's successful launch of a spy satellite, which Seoul, Tokyo and Washington condemned as a pretext to test ballistic missile technology.
