Payment for shells: Putin gifts Kim Jong Un thoroughbred horses - The Times
Photo: Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin (kremlin.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un more than two dozen thoroughbred horses. This was part of the payment for North Korean artillery shells provided to Russia, according to The Sunday Times.
The agency notes that the North Korean leader has received a new shipment of horses from Russia of the Orlov trotter breed, signaling a deepening alliance with Putin.
The Veterinary Service of the Primorsky Krai of Russia, where there is a railway connection with the DPRK, reported that last Sunday, 24 horses—19 stallions and five mares—were transported across the border.
Orlov trotters are known to be Kim Jong Un's favorite horse breed. He often appears in propaganda images with horses of this breed. In 2022, 30 horses of this breed were sent to North Korea from Russia.
The Sunday Times, citing South Korean media, reported that the new shipment of horses was part of the payment for artillery ammunition that the Russian army received from North Korea for use in Ukraine.
DPRK's assistance to Russia
North Korea is one of the few countries that support Russia in its war against Ukraine. In addition, the DPRK provides military assistance to the Russian army. This includes artillery shells and missiles.
According to The Washington Post, North Korea could have transferred about 1.6 million artillery rounds to Russia from August 2023 to January 2024. Ukrainian intelligence also confirms the transfer of shells.
In addition, the DPRK provides Russia with ballistic missiles. Recently, Russia has begun to use them more actively to strike Ukraine.
Read more about the North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
