Putin Gifts Kim Jong-Un Russian-built Luxury Limousine, Takes Him For A Ride

Putin-Kim Jong in North Korea: A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin taking North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a ride in a Russian-built Aurus Senat limousine has gone viral across social media platforms. The video highlights the growing closeness between the two nations and their leaders.

In the video first aired by Russian state TV, the Kremlin leader is shown at the wheel of the black armored Aurus, his official presidential vehicle in Russia, while Kim occupies the passenger seat. As they traverse a meticulously landscaped park, the two leaders engage in lively conversation and share laughter along the way. While driving through a meticulously landscaped park area, the two leaders were seen chatting and sharing a laugh throughout their journey.

The leaders took turns to drive each other while they shared a jovial conversation during the ride. 

Watch Viral Video of Putin Takes Kim Jong Un On Drive:

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin made his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, presenting Kim Jong-Un with a luxurious Aurus limousine. This gesture underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, amid growing concerns over their increasing military cooperation. The 71-year-old Russian president gifted Kim the Aurus luxury car for the second time, reaffirming their diplomatic ties.

After the short drive, the two leaders were seen walking together and engaged in conversation along a path in a wooded area. Reports indicate that Putin had gifted Kim with the Russian-made limousine earlier in February this year, and has now gifted him the same vehicle again. Known for his interest in automobiles, Kim now possesses at least two of these vehicles.

Kim Jong-Un possesses a significant collection of luxury foreign vehicles, likely smuggled into North Korea, given the UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the export of luxury goods to the country. He has been spotted in luxury vehicles including a Maybach limousine, multiple Mercedes vehicles, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Lexus SUV.

In return to Putin's luxurious gift, the North Korean Leader gave the Russian President a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local breed. Kim and Putin were seen looking at the dogs, who were tied to a rose-covered fence, during a segment aired on the state-controlled Korean Central Television on Thursday.

The two bonded over animals as Kim fed carrots to a horse while Putin patted it on its head. 

Aurus Senat: Russia's luxury car

Aurus, Russia's first luxury car brand, was launched in 2013 through a contract with the industry and trade ministry. The project aimed to create vehicles suitable for both high-ranking government officials and the general public.

The Aurus Senat Limousine, Vladimir Putin's official vehicle, is the first luxury car developed in Russia. It made its global debut in 2018 and was initially custom-made for the Russian president under the codename 'Cortege'.

The Aurus Senat Limousine serves as the official presidential state car, while a shorter five-door sedan version is also available for civilian purchase. Visually, the Senat draws inspiration from the Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury saloon, while its retro styling is influenced by the ZIS-110 Soviet limousine from the 1940s.

The Aurus Senat is sizeable, measuring 5,631 mm in length and weighing a robust 2,700 kg. President Putin's extended limousine is even larger at 6,700 mm and features armoured protection. This includes bulletproof armor, reinforced glass, bomb-resistant underfloor shielding, run-flat tires, integrated defensive capabilities, and a self-contained oxygen supply. The presidential state car is also equipped with a secure-line communication system.