Kim was offered “a car made in Russia, for personal use, by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation,” the North Korean news agency KCNA reported from Pyongyang.
Kim’s sister, Yo Jong, noted that the “gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relationships between the top leaders” of the two countries, KCNA added. The message does not say which model it is. Kim is known for his love for luxury cars.
Since Kim’s visit to Russia last year, the two countries have further strengthened ties, with Russian tourists now also visiting North Korea. The United States and South Korea allege that Pyongyang is supplying Russia with weapons for the war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian help with Kim’s satellite programs. Both parties indicate that Putin will make a return visit to Pyongyang.