Putin Breaks Silence: Why Did He Gift Kim Jong Un Another Luxury Car?

Putin visits North Korea after 24 years
Limousine gift to Kim Jong Un
Are there sanctions against North Korea?

On June 19, 2024, news of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea was reported. Putin, who visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, signed a new military pact with the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to support each other’s military capabilities and respond to aggression. This development has elevated the relationship between North Korea and Russia to an alliance level, causing renewed tension among the global community, including neighboring Asian countries.

This time, Kim traveled under the protection of a vehicle imported via an undisclosed route. Putin made headlines in February 2024 by gifting Kim an additional vehicle, following his earlier gift of the Aurus Senat, often referred to as Russia’s Rolls-Royce. Let’s find out the significance of this and the types of imported vehicles North Korea currently uses despite international sanctions.

Russian limousine Aurus
What’s the Meaning Behind the Unique License Plate?

The Aurus, which Putin reportedly gifted to Kim, is presumed to be the same model. The Aurus Senat limousine model is an expensive vehicle sold for around $430,000 to $935,000, depending on options. This is also highly likely to violate sanctions against North Korea.

Unlike the vehicles gifted before, we could see the vehicle’s license plate with a unique number written on it this time. The license plate number “7 27 1953” is presumed to be the date of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, and North Korea commemorates this day as Victory Day in the Fatherland Liberation War.

More than one imported vehicle is driving on the road
American and Japanese vehicles were also included

The Aurus gifted this time is not the only imported vehicle in North Korea. Kim has been seen using a Mercedes-Benz Maybach for official appearances. A Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Transit commercial vehicle always accompany him. When driving himself, he appears to use a Lexus SUV.

More than one type of vehicle is imported from an unknown route. Many people are unable to hide their embarrassment at the sight of people flaunting sanctions against North Korea and using luxury imported vehicles. On the one hand, it feels ironic that he uses vehicles from hostile countries such as the US and Japan to provide security.

Need for Definite Sanctions 

Some have raised their voices of criticism, saying that sanctions against North Korea are just a facade and have reached a point where they should not be condemned with words alone. However, at this point, there are concerns that North Korea may further strengthen its relationship with Russia and threaten global security, so it is impossible to impose strong sanctions hastily.

Kim’s luxury vehicles again received attention through the meeting between the North Korean leader and the Russian President.