Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with 24 purebred Orlov Trotters, reportedly as partial payment for artillery shells used in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The new consignment, which includes 19 stallions and five mares, crossed the narrow land border between Russia and North Korea on Sunday, as confirmed by veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, a Russian Far East region linked by rail to North Korea, according to The Times.This delivery follows a previous gift of 30 Orlov Trotters to Pyongyang two years ago, which Kim Jong-un has prominently featured in regime propaganda.
The exchange of gifts also marks the continuation of a peculiar diplomatic tradition. As per the report, in June, Kim Jong-un sent President Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a breed native to North Korea, as part of a broader “comprehensive partnership agreement” that included military cooperation. In response, Putin gifted Kim 447 goats in August.
North Korea’s interest in thoroughbred horses, particularly the Orlov Trotters, reflects more than just a preference for fine steeds. Despite its significant investments in nuclear and ballistic missile technology, Pyongyang has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in acquiring thoroughbreds from Russia. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, North Korea reportedly spent at least $600,000 on these horses.
The horses play a largely symbolic role for Kim Jong-un, reinforcing his family’s personality cult. The Mirim Horse Riding Club, North Korea’s premier equestrian center, prominently features depictions of Kim riding horses. The club showcases sayings attributed to Kim, emphasizing the symbolic importance of horses in displaying military prestige and leadership qualities. One notable saying is, “Horses may no longer be used in war, but the war horse is important from the perspective that they display the military’s greatness.”
The new consignment, which includes 19 stallions and five mares, crossed the narrow land border between Russia and North Korea on Sunday, as confirmed by veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, a Russian Far East region linked by rail to North Korea, according to The Times.This delivery follows a previous gift of 30 Orlov Trotters to Pyongyang two years ago, which Kim Jong-un has prominently featured in regime propaganda.
The exchange of gifts also marks the continuation of a peculiar diplomatic tradition. As per the report, in June, Kim Jong-un sent President Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a breed native to North Korea, as part of a broader “comprehensive partnership agreement” that included military cooperation. In response, Putin gifted Kim 447 goats in August.
North Korea’s interest in thoroughbred horses, particularly the Orlov Trotters, reflects more than just a preference for fine steeds. Despite its significant investments in nuclear and ballistic missile technology, Pyongyang has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in acquiring thoroughbreds from Russia. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, North Korea reportedly spent at least $600,000 on these horses.
The horses play a largely symbolic role for Kim Jong-un, reinforcing his family’s personality cult. The Mirim Horse Riding Club, North Korea’s premier equestrian center, prominently features depictions of Kim riding horses. The club showcases sayings attributed to Kim, emphasizing the symbolic importance of horses in displaying military prestige and leadership qualities. One notable saying is, “Horses may no longer be used in war, but the war horse is important from the perspective that they display the military’s greatness.”
