The US government has declared Russian President Vladimir Putin’s gift of an Aurus Senat limousine to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as illegal, citing violations of UN sanctions against North Korea. These sanctions explicitly prohibit the provision of luxury goods to the nation, including transportation vehicles.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, expressed concern over Russia’s actions, stating, “If this is true, it would appear to be once again Russia violating UN Security Council resolutions that it itself supported.” He also admitted surprise at the existence of a Russian luxury car.
Kim Jong-un (Credits: NBC News)
Putin’s gift, a Russian-made Aurus Senat L700 limousine, stemmed from Kim Jong-un’s admiration for the vehicle during his visit to Russia in September of the previous year. The luxury vehicle was delivered to Kim’s aides by the Russian side on February 18th, as reported by North Korea’s official KCNA news agency.
Kim Yo Jong, Kim’s sister, conveyed her brother’s gratitude to Putin, describing the gift as a symbol of the special relationship between the leaders of North Korea and Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift, explaining that Kim had expressed admiration for the car during a visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Peskov emphasized the importance of neighborly relations, stating, “North Korea is our close neighbor, and we intend, and will continue, to develop our relations with all neighbors, including North Korea.”
