Putin presented Kim Jong Un with a Russian-made car

Russian President Vladimir Putin presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a Russian-made car, state media in Pyongyang reported today.

The gift, as part of strengthening ties between the two countries, is likely to be in violation of UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang in 2017.

The resolution on sanctions was also signed by Russia, and they refer, among other things, to the ban on the import of vehicles to North Korea.

Putin "gave Kim Jong Un a Russian-made car for his personal use," North Korea's KCNA news agency reported.

Kim's sister Jo Jong said it was a "gift to clearly show the special personal relationship" between the top leaders of the two countries, KCNA added, which did not specify which model of vehicle was given.

Since the North Korean leader's visit to Russia last year, Pyongyang has moved closer to Moscow.

A group of Russian tourists arrived earlier this month for a four-day trip, the first group visit from abroad since North Korea's borders were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After the September summit between Kim and Putin in the Russian Far East, the US and South Korea repeatedly said that North Korea had supplied weapons to Russia for use in the war with Ukraine, in exchange for Russian help with North Korea's satellite programs.

Kim is also known for his interest in luxury cars. During the North Korean leader's visit to Russia last year, Putin invited him for a ride in the back seat of his Aurus Senat presidential limousine.

The North Korean leader arrived in Russia then in his limousine, transported by a special train from North Korea.