Russian President Vladimir Putin’s gift of a luxury Russian car to Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has sparked controversy. Critics argue that this move violates United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
According to reports from Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s official party newspaper, on September 20th, high-ranking party officials received the “Russian-made dedicated car” from the Russian delegation on behalf of Kim Jong Un on the 18th.
The exact model of the car was not disclosed. However, given that it was delivered at the summit level, it will likely be a “luxury car.”
Some suggest it could be the “Aurus” introduced to Kim during Putin’s visit to Russia last year.
Putin’s official state car, the Aurus, is called the “Russian Rolls-Royce.” It is known that about 170 billion won ($127 million) was invested in the design and production of this vehicle. Weighing in at 7 tons, this vehicle boasts bulletproof capabilities robust enough to withstand a bomb explosion.
If Putin gifted Kim Aurus or a similar luxury car this time, it would violate the UN Security Council’s sanctions against North Korea.
Resolution 1718 of the UN Security Council’s sanctions against North Korea prohibits the “direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of luxury goods to North Korea.” Resolution 2094 classifies luxury cars as a type of luxury goods.
Suppose Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, deliberately breached the resolution this time. In that case, experts predict it will more openly support North Korea’s regime in the future.
The Security Council attempted to adopt a resolution demanding “immediate withdrawal” when Russia invaded Ukraine by force in February 2022. However, it failed to be adopted due to the “self-veto power” exercised by Russia, a permanent council member.
To pass a resolution at the Security Council, none of the five permanent members—the United States, France, the UK, Russia, and China—must use their veto power. Additionally, at least nine of the fifteen permanent and non-permanent members must vote in favor.
Following this principle, Russia has actively sought allies, notably by supporting North Korea. This was evident in 2022 when North Korea resumed its testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) for the first time in five years. The Security Council moved to impose new sanctions on North Korea, but Russia vetoed the proposal, effectively blocking it.
Since then, Russia has been consistently representing North Korea’s position abroad, maintaining positions such as “the uselessness of sanctions against North Korea” and “blaming the US,” along with China.
Russia’s support for North Korea has become increasingly evident as Putin’s visit to the country draws near. Following the Russian presidential election, Putin is anticipated to travel to North Korea, possibly as soon as next month.
Moon Seong Mook, the head of the Unification Strategy Center at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, commented, “Revealing the gift of the car underscores the strong bond between North Korea and Russia, especially with Putin’s upcoming visit.” He also noted, “Putin views Kim Jong Un’s support during the Ukraine conflict as pivotal. Given their shared challenges, Russia will likely dismiss the Security Council’s resolutions against North Korea moving forward.”
ntiger@news1.kr