In brief
In a gesture showcasing the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea, President Vladimir Putin has sent more than 70 animals to North Korea's primary zoo. This diverse shipment consists of a lion, two brown bears, yaks, cockatoos, various pheasants, and mandarin ducks, delivered via cargo plane by Russia's environment minister, Alexander Kozlov. Announced through Kozlov’s office on Telegram, this act coincides with recent developments involving North Korean troops aiding Russia in Ukraine.
During his visit to Pyongyang, Kozlov also took the opportunity to meet with Kim Jong Un. This isn't the first instance of animal gifts between the nations; just earlier this year, Putin had sent 24 purebred horses to North Korea as a token of appreciation for artillery shells provided by Kim’s regime. The shifting geopolitical landscape has seen both countries facing Western sanctions, prompting a fortification of their relationship.Putin's need for military backing in his Ukraine endeavor aligns with Kim's desires for advanced Russian space technology potentially benefitting its missile program. Their partnership has manifested in closer ties, as evident during Putin’s June visit to North Korea, where he signed a mutual defense agreement with Kim and presented him with an Aurus limousine, among other gifts. As North Korea remains eager to bolster its military capabilities, the intertwining interests of these two nations are increasingly highlighted.
