A video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin driving North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a Russian-built Aurus limousine has gone viral on social media, highlighting the growing closeness between the two nations and their leaders.
The video, first released by Russian state TV, shows Putin behind the wheel of the black armored Aurus, his official presidential car, with Kim seated in the passenger seat. As the car cruises through a manicured park, the two leaders engage in animated conversation and laughter. They took turns driving each other, sharing a jovial exchange throughout the ride.
these two mfs look WAYY too happy wtf are they plotting ??😭😭 pic.twitter.com/jzblbJVA0u
— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) June 20, 2024
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After the brief drive, the video shows Putin and Kim walking side by side along a wooded path, continuing their conversation. Reports indicate that Putin gifted Kim the Russian-built limousine in February this year, adding to Kim’s collection of at least two Aurus vehicles. Known for his interest in automobiles, Kim’s collection includes luxury cars like a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Lexus SUV, despite U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the export of luxury goods to North Korea.
The Aurus Senat, retro-styled after the Soviet-era ZIL limousine, serves as the official Russian presidential car. During Kim’s visit to Russia in September last year, Putin showcased one of these vehicles.
In a gesture of goodwill, Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local North Korean breed. A segment aired on the state-controlled Korean Central Television on Thursday showed the leaders looking at the dogs, tied to a rose-covered fence. The two bonded over animals, with Kim feeding carrots to a horse while Putin patted it on the head.
Additionally, the leaders signed an agreement to deepen their military cooperation, including a mutual defense pledge. Kim Jong-un referred to the new ties as an “alliance.”
