North Korea’s Kim’s State media reported on Saturday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly rode in a car gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen as a symbol of the strengthening friendship between the two nations. This gesture follows a meeting between Kim and Putin in September, where they pledged to enhance military cooperation, refuting Western allegations of North Korean involvement in supplying artillery shells and missiles for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, hailed the significance of the ride, emphasizing the deepening DPRK-Russia friendship on various fronts.
Kim Jong Un’s demonstration of solidarity with Russia coincided with his oversight of air warfare drills and his call for heightened combat readiness. According to KCNA, Kim stressed the importance of realistic training to prepare soldiers as proficient combatants, underscoring North Korea’s commitment to maintaining military readiness amidst regional tensions. The joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which concluded recently, mark the first since Pyongyang withdrew from the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at easing tensions.
In addition to military activities, Kim Jong Un also attended the inauguration of a greenhouse farm, showcasing a multifaceted approach to his leadership agenda. Notably, photos released by KCNA featured Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, participating in both the drills and the farm opening ceremony, suggesting a generational continuity in North Korea’s leadership narrative. The events surrounding Kim’s public appearances reflect a concerted effort to project stability and resilience, despite external pressures and diplomatic challenges.Read More…
