In a significant gesture of goodwill, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent over 70 animals, including a lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in North Korea. This donation reflects the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Putin Enhances Ties with North Korea Through New Zoo Animal Donation
Putin Enhances Ties with North Korea Through New Zoo Animal Donation
Over 70 zoo animals, including a lion and brown bears, are gifted from Russia to North Korea, symbolizing their strengthening relationship.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has further solidified his relationship with North Korea by gifting more than 70 animals to the country's main zoo. This unique donation includes a lion, two brown bears, yaks, cockatoos, and a variety of pheasants and mandarin ducks, and was transported to the North Korean capital by Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov on a cargo plane.
The delivery comes just weeks after reports indicated North Korea had deployed thousands of troops to support Russia's efforts in Ukraine, highlighting the emerging partnership between the two nations. During his visit to Pyongyang, Minister Kozlov also made a courtesy call to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
This is not the first instance of animal gifts exchanged between the two countries. Earlier this year, Putin gifted Kim 24 pure-bred horses as an expression of gratitude for North Korea providing artillery shells amidst Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
The motivations behind this blossoming alliance are multifaceted: while Russia seeks support for its ongoing war in Ukraine, North Korea is looking to bolster its missile program with Russian space technology. Their collaborative efforts were underscored during Putin's June visit to North Korea, where he signed a mutual agreement to protect each other's nations from external aggression.
Kim's penchant for luxury vehicles was also evident during Putin's visit, as the Russian president presented him with a high-end Aurus limousine, along with other gifts such as a tea set and artwork. Kim Jong Un, known for his fondness for automobiles, has previously been spotted in a range of high-profile luxury cars including Maybachs and Rolls-Royces.
As Russia and North Korea navigate their growing partnership amid international scrutiny and sanctions, their shared interests continue to foster deeper ties.
