A new batch of Orlov Trotter stallions coveted by the North Korean elite crossed the border into Pyongyang over the weekend, veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, the Russian Far Eastern region connected by rail to North Korea, said. The shipment, which includes 19 horses and five mares, has sparked interest in South Korean media, who interpret it as a possible down payment for artillery shells that Kim Jong Un has supplied to Moscow in the context of the war in Ukraine. The unusual exchange not only highlights the close connection between the two nations, but also raises questions about power dynamics in a world where such military alliances can have profound international consequences.
In addition to deploying nuclear arsenals and ballistic missiles, North Koreans are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in a network of equestrian military units, which are among the oldest in military traditions. The country disbursed at least $600,000 between 2020 and 2023 to import thoroughbred horses from Russia, a huge expense for a country suffering from food shortages. This protected breed was created in the 18th century by Count Alexei Orlov, and almost disappeared during the First World War. After the Bolshevik revolution, only a miracle and the efforts of a few breeders managed to save these refined specimens.
But these particular equines play a symbolic rather than a military role, fuelling the Kims’ cult of personality. The nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung, is said to have ridden a majestic white steed while leading Korean guerrillas against Japanese colonisers before and during World War II.
The current leader is depicted on horseback on at least three hundred occasions in the museum of the Mirim Horse Riding Club, the country’s leading equestrian centre. The widely circulated image of him ascending the snowy peaks of Mount Paektu on the back of a white stallion is intended to arouse patriotism among his subjects and consolidate his place on the throne.
On the other hand, about a year ago Putin gave his ally a bulletproof vest, as well as clothing that cannot be detected by thermal imaging cameras, and six drones. And, in February, another courtesy: a luxury sedan from the Russian manufacturer, enough to delight the dictator, who is passionate about racing cars.
Proud of his success, the Kremlin chief presented him with a second limousine, an admiral’s dagger and a tea set. The latter point should not cause diplomatic problems, unlike the first: by offering a second car, Putin thus violated, for the second time, the Western sanctions imposed by the UN against Pyongyang in 2017, the text of which was ratified by Moscow. The aim was to ban the import of luxury goods in order to pressure Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear arms race.
On the other hand, the state agency KCNA reported that in June Kim sent his Russian counterpart a pair of native Pungsan dogs, in the context of the “comprehensive partnership agreement” in which both leaders committed to strengthen their military cooperation. In a reciprocal gesture, in August, Kim was given a batch of up to 447 goats by his “friend” to alleviate the food shortage in the hermetic country.
The opaque treaty signed by the allies in June, which includes a commitment to mutual defense and military assistance, has unsettled the United States, Japan and South Korea. The controversial agreement represents the largest display of bilateral partnership we have seen in decades, dating back to the Cold War. It is also based on each country’s self-interest, as Moscow seeks help in its devastating war and Pyongyang seeks to strengthen its nuclear, space and missile programs while shoring up its regime.
Both powers have defined their pact as an “engine to accelerate the construction of a new multipolar world,” emphasizing the invincibility and durability of their friendship. This joint approach not only seeks to challenge the established international order, but also to strengthen their respective positions in the global arena. Russia has capitalized on these close ties to put pressure on Washington and its allies, while the North, facing severe international sanctions, has found in Moscow an ally that offers political backing as well as promises of economic and commercial support.
However, concerns have been mounting over their military cooperation. Washington and its allies fear that Russia could provide assistance to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, which are banned by UN Security Council resolutions. They have also accused Pyongyang of supplying ballistic missiles and artillery shells that have been used by the Kremlin in their own conflict. However, both countries have denied such arms transfers.
