North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made headlines as he took his first ride in a luxury car gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The high-end Aurus Senat limousine was presented to Kim by Putin, highlighting the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow since their summit last September.
The vehicle, which arrived in Pyongyang in February, was personally offered to Kim by Putin during their meeting. Kim’s sister and prominent government official, Kim Yo Jong, confirmed that he used the car for the first time on Friday, calling it a “clear proof of the DPRK-Russia friendship, which is developing in a comprehensive way on a new high stage,” as reported by state-run KCNA.
The Aurus Senat is Russia’s first luxury car brand and has been utilized in motorcades for top officials since Putin’s inauguration ceremony in 2018. Kim Jong Un, known for his collection of foreign-made luxury cars believed to have been smuggled into the country, previously used a Maybach limousine during his visit to Russia and owns other prestigious vehicles like the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62.
However, the gift of the Aurus has drawn international scrutiny, with a 2021 United Nations report highlighting attempts to ship luxury vehicles worth over USD 1 million from the United Arab Emirates to North Korea. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification condemned North Korea’s public disclosure of the gift, calling it a “violation of UN sanctions.” The ministry urged Russia to uphold international norms as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Despite these diplomatic tensions, Kim Jong Un also monitored paratroop drills on Friday, showcasing his military’s capabilities in occupying enemy regions swiftly. Accompanied by his daughter, Kim’s actions have drawn attention amidst ongoing international discussions surrounding North Korea’s weapons programs and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
