North Korea's Kim Jong Un receives new consignment of horses from Russia
File photo of Kim Jon Un on a horse.
North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has receiveda new consignment of horses from Russian President Putin. This development was reported by The Telegraph on Friday (Aug 30).
According to veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, the Russian Far East region that has a rail connection with North Korea, 24 horses were transported across the narrow land border on August 25.
The 19 stallions and five mares are Orlov Trotters, known to be Kim’s favourite breed.
Why were the horses gifted?
Citing South Korean media, The Telegraph report said that the new consignment of the horses was part-paymentfor the North Korean artillery shells sentto the Russian military for use against Ukraine.
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In June this year, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putinsigned a “comprehensive partnership agreement” committing the two countries to military cooperation.Later that same month the North Korean leader gifted Putin a pair of pungsan dogs, a local breed.
The Russian presidentreciprocated in August, sending 447 goats to North Korea.
The role of these horses
The Telegraph report pointed out that though North Koreahas developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, it is also investing in one of the world’s oldest military technologies with a network of equestrian military units.
As per trade reports, Pyongyang spent at least$600,000 on thoroughbred horses imported from Russia between 2020 and 2023.
Their value to Kim is symbolic, rather than military: horses play an important part in the personality cult that he has created around himself and his family.
(With inputs from agencies)