Putin gifts Kim Jong Un a limo, tea set and more during North Korea visit

During his first visit to North Korea in nearly 25 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented a series of extravagant gifts to Kim Jong Un, including a Russian-made Aurus limousine. 

Kim, known for his love of luxury cars, was visibly thrilled as he and Putin took the limo for a drive, switching seats to let Kim take the wheel and enjoy the ride.

Kim's collection already boasts numerous high-end vehicles, such as Mercedes, a Maybach limo, and a Rolls Royce Phantom. 

The new Aurus limousine adds to this impressive lineup. This is the second Aurus limo gifted by Putin to Kim, the first being presented in February as Putin’s official presidential car.

In addition to the limousine, Putin also gave Kim a Russian Navy dagger and a tea set, described as "very beautiful" by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. 

While they did not use the dagger, the leaders planned a tea party, though it remains unclear if the gifted tea set will be used.

Kim reciprocated with artwork, which included several busts, praised by Ushakov as "very good presents" and "rather skillful." 

Putin received a warm welcome in Pyongyang on Wednesday, with enthusiastic crowds, balloons, and posters of the two leaders. 

Following a private two-hour meeting, Kim expressed ‘full support’ for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pledged to strengthen diplomatic ties. 

There is speculation that Kim may be supplying ballistic missiles to aid Russia’s war efforts, while Russia could be providing technology to advance North Korea’s nuclear program. 

Both nations signed a mutual defense pact on Wednesday, promising to aid each other in case of aggression.

Former Vice President Mike Pence commented on the developments, stating, "A new axis of evil in the 21st century is continuing to take shape right before our eyes. The agreement between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un promising mutual aid if either faces 'aggression,' but the world already knows who the aggressors are. As these new alliances form among the enemies of freedom, America must not shrink from our role as leader of the free world. Now more than ever, we must continue to lead the free world against the aggression and threats of tyrannies in Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China."