North Korea's Kim Jong Un Returns From Russia With Bulletproof Vest, Rifle, Fur Hat, And Drones
North Korea's Kim Jong Un returns from Russia with bulletproof vest, rifle, fur hat, and drones as parting gifts while wrapping up a trip to Russia that has alarmed the West over the potential for military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Hajra ShannonSep 18, 2023539 Shares89.7K Views
North Korea's Kim Jong Un returns from Russia with bulletproof vest, rifle, fur hat, and dronesas parting gifts while wrapping up a trip to Russia that has alarmed the West over the potential for military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The Farewell In Vladivostok
The send-off capped a rare, six-day visit that saw Kim hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, raising the possibility North Korea could provide Russia with weaponry to aid its invasion of Ukraine.
On Sunday, Kim left the eastern city of Vladivostok, where he inspected warplanes, toured an airfield, and visited a Pacific Fleet frigate, to return to Pyongyang in his heavily-armored private train following a grand farewell ceremony, Russian and North Korean state media reported.
Traveling more than 4,000 kilometers (2,400 miles) across eastern Russia, the North Korean leader was given the red carpet treatment throughout his trip, much of which was spent visiting military sites.
North Korea is heavily sanctioned and is in need of everything from energy to food to military technology.
Unexpected Parting Gifts
As Kim left, the governor of the far eastern Russian region of Primorye gave him a bulletproof vest and a set of drones, Russian state news agency TASS reported.
The bulletproof vest was described as being lighter and more advanced than its analogs. Kim was also presented with five attack drones produced in the same region, as well as a Geranium-25 aircraft-type reconnaissance drone.
A set of special clothing that is invisible to thermal imaging cameras was an additional gift.
South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, the United States, and European countries have been alarmed by the visit, with several nations issuing a warning regarding potential violations of international sanctions by North Korea and Russia.
The talks signaled closer relations between the two countries, both of which face international isolation – Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program.
Controversial Gifts For The "Friendship" Museum
Kim is known to have received a Russian-made rifle, a cosmonaut's glove, and military drones as parting gifts from Russia. These gifts, particularly the military drones, potentially violate U.N. sanctions.
North Korea has a museum dedicated to showcasing gifts received by its leaders, and these recent gifts will likely find a place there.
The International Friendship Exhibition in North Korea is dedicated to showcasing gifts received by the North's leaders.
It comprises more than 100 showrooms with over 115,000 items from more than 200 countries. The museum is known for its vast collection, often compared to the Louvre in Paris.
Among the notable gifts in the museum are crystalware from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a tea cup set from French President Francois Mitterrand, a basketball signed by Michael Jordan given by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and a rifle given by the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Trip Focused On Military Co-operation
Putin spoke of Kim's "great interest" in space technology and Kim's backing for Putin during their five-hour meeting at Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrom spaceport.
As a result of the negotiations, ties between the two nations, who are both suffering from international isolation, have grown closer.
After touring the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant, Kim was reportedly pleased by Russia's aircraft manufacturing business, as reported by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency.
Kim and Shoigu spoke about the possibility of military cooperation. Several nations including South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, the United States, and European countries have issued cautions against the visit due to concerns that North Korea and Russia may violate international sanctions.
In the midst of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Moscow is in dire need of new ammunition and shells, while North Korea may be able to acquire legal ballistic missile technology to further its nuclear goals.
Final Words
Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and the controversial gifts he received have heightened international tensions and concerns.
The exchange of military technology, potential violations of U.N. sanctions, and the undisclosed nature of diplomatic negotiations all contribute to the uncertainty surrounding this diplomatic episode.
As the world continues to monitor developments, the implications of these events on regional and global dynamics remain a subject of considerable scrutiny and apprehension.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
Hajra Shannona is a highly experienced journalist with over 9 years of expertise in news writing, investigative reporting, and political analysis.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and has contributed to reputable publications focusing on global affairs, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Hajra's authoritative voice and trustworthy reporting reflect her commitment to delivering insightful news content.
Beyond journalism, she enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and pursuing outdoor photography
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