US Spokesperson Mocks Putin’s Gift of Russian Car to Kim Jong-un, Accusing Moscow of Violating UN Resolutions
In a recent turn of events, a US spokesperson has openly mocked Russian President Vladimir Putin’s gift of a Russian car to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The spokesperson accused Moscow of violating UN resolutions, adding fuel to the already tense relationship between the United States and Russia.
According to North Korean state media, Kim Jong-un was “presented with a car made in Russia for his personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation.” The gift was later confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who revealed that the car in question was an Aurus, a full-sized luxury sedan commonly used by Putin himself.
Peskov explained that during Kim’s visit to the Vostochny cosmodrome, Putin personally showed him the car. It seems that Kim was impressed by the vehicle, leading to the decision to gift it to him. Peskov emphasized the importance of developing relations with neighboring countries, including North Korea.
However, the US State Department responded to the news with a touch of sarcasm. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller admitted, “I actually, frankly, didn’t know there was such a thing as a Russian luxury car.” He jokingly added, “I hope Kim got the extended warranty. I’m not sure if I was buying a luxury car Russia would be the place I would look.”
Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, praised the gift as a symbol of the special personal relations between the two leaders. She expressed her gratitude for the gesture, highlighting the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea.
The growing closeness between Russia and North Korea has been evident since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In September, Kim met with Putin in Russia’s far east, further solidifying their relationship. However, US and South Korean officials have raised concerns about Russia’s desperate attempts to replenish its military arsenal. They claim that Russia has resorted to importing goods from North Korea and Iran, despite a UN security council ban on luxury goods to North Korea.
Miller, echoing South Korea’s earlier statement, criticized Russia for potentially violating the UN resolutions it once supported. He stated, “If this is true, it would appear to be once again Russia violating UN security council resolutions that it itself supported.”
The gift of a Russian car to Kim Jong-un also sheds light on Russia’s automotive industry. The Lada, Russia’s best-known car, gained notoriety during the Cold War due to its no-frills utilitarian design. However, with the help of France’s Renault, the car underwent a makeover. Renault relinquished its majority stake in Lada’s company AvtoVAZ after the Ukraine invasion, handing over the assets to Moscow.
As tensions continue to rise between the United States and Russia, this gift has become another point of contention. While it may symbolize the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, it also raises concerns about potential violations of UN resolutions. The world watches closely as these geopolitical dynamics unfold, shaping the future of international relations.