What's happened
Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un 24 purebred Orlov Trotters in exchange for artillery shells. This exchange, reported on September 2, 2024, highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations amid ongoing military cooperation.
What's behind the headline?
Strengthening Military Ties
- The horse exchange symbolizes deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
- North Korea's artillery supplies are crucial for Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Symbolic Diplomacy
- Kim Jong-un's affinity for horses plays into his regime's propaganda, enhancing his image.
- The gifting of horses and dogs reflects a unique form of diplomacy that emphasizes personal relationships.
Regional Implications
- This partnership raises concerns for China and Western nations, who view it as a potential threat to regional stability.
- The military pact signed in June indicates a commitment to mutual defense, which could alter the balance of power in East Asia.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Putin's gift of 24 horses is part of a broader trend of animal diplomacy, which includes Kim gifting Putin Pungsan dogs earlier this year. Business Insider UK notes that this exchange is seen as partial payment for artillery shells sent to Russia, emphasizing the military aspect of their relationship. The South China Morning Post highlights Kim's documented love for horses, which serves to bolster his image domestically. These sources collectively illustrate the intertwining of personal diplomacy and military cooperation between the two leaders.
How we got here
The exchange of horses for artillery shells follows a series of diplomatic gestures between Russia and North Korea, including military cooperation agreements and previous gifts exchanged between the leaders. This relationship has grown increasingly significant amid geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
- What other gifts have they exchanged?
- How does this affect regional stability?
- What is the significance of the Orlov Trotters?
More on these topics
-
North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Kim Jong-un is a North Korean politician who has been the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011 and chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea since 2012.