Advertisement

Russia’s Putin gifts Kim Jong-un 24 horses as payment for North Korean artillery shells

The Times reported the Russian president gave 24 Orlov Trotters to the North Korean leader, which is apparently Kim Jong-un’s favourite breed

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Russia’s Vladimir Putin reportedly gifted North Korea’s Kim Jong-un 24 purebred horses in the latest show of animal diplomacy. Photo: KCNA/dpa
Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un two dozen purebred horses as payment for artillery shells, The Times reported.
Advertisement
The outlet cited an announcement from veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, a Russian region connected to North Korea by train.

The announcement noted that 24 horses were transported across the border on Sunday, The Times wrote.

The horses – 19 stallions and five mares – are Orlov Trotters, a white-grey breed that is Kim’s favourite.

The North Korean leader’s love for the horses is well documented. In 2019, he was famously pictured riding a white stallion on Mount Paektu during snowfall.

Advertisement

This is the latest example of animal diplomacy between the two countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rides a white horse to climb Mount Paektu. Russia reportedly sent two dozen horses to its neighbour in exchange for artillery shells. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rides a white horse to climb Mount Paektu. Russia reportedly sent two dozen horses to its neighbour in exchange for artillery shells. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AP
Advertisement