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Putin gifts luxury Aurus car to North Korea’s Kim

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Russian President Vladimir Putin recently presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a luxurious Russian-made car, as reported by Pyongyang’s state media. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift, specifying that it was an Aurus, a high-end luxury sedan similar to those favored by Putin himself.

This gesture highlights the deepening relationship between the two nations, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite facing international sanctions, suspicions persist regarding military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, with allegations of North Korea providing artillery and missile support to Russia for its war efforts.

The exchange occurred during Kim’s visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome last September, which marked his first trip abroad in four years. During this visit, Putin personally showed Kim his Aurus limousine and gifted him firearms, further solidifying their rapport.

Kim’s sister, Yo Jong, praised the car gift as emblematic of the close personal bond shared between the two leaders. However, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticized the gesture, citing UN sanctions that prohibit the supply of luxury vehicles to North Korea.

While the relationship between Putin and Kim may not display the same level of camaraderie seen between Kim and former US President Donald Trump, both leaders recognize the strategic benefits of fostering closer ties. Plans for Putin to visit Pyongyang in the future have been hinted at by both sides, indicating the ongoing development of their diplomatic relationship.

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Banker Oleg Tinkov renounces Russian citizenship over Ukraine

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Oleg Tinkov, a billionaire Russian banker, renounced his Russian citizenship in response to the conflict in Ukraine and denounced “Putin fascism.” With about 20 million customers, Mr. Tinkov founded the online Tinkoff Bank, one of Russia’s biggest lenders.

“I can’t and won’t be associated with a fascist country that started a war with their peaceful neighbor,” he wrote in an Instagram post. Few Russian businessmen have publicly criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

An independent Russian news source, Sota Vision, tweeted a photo of Mr Tinkov’s certificate showing his Russian citizenship terminated, as well as his tirade on Instagram against President Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

After it was published, the original post disappeared, but Mr. Tinkov afterwards wrote again on the social networking platform, blaming “Kremlin trolls” for the disappearance.

He also mentioned in the most recent post that he was pursuing legal action to have his name removed from the bank because he does not want to be associated with “the bank that collaborates with assassins and blood.”

He reportedly resides in London but, like many other members of Russia’s business elite, is subject to UK sanctions. In his initial article, Mr. Tinkov added, “I hope many important Russian businesspeople will join me so that it weakens Putin’s dictatorship and his economy, and puts him inevitably to defeat.”

“I despise Putin’s Russia, but I adore all Russians who are obviously opposed to this insane war,” he concluded.

In much harsher language in April, Mr. Tinkov denounced the Kremlin, calling it a “nepotistic and servile administration.”

“The bureaucrats in Kremlin are startled that not only they, but also their kids no longer want to visit the Mediterranean during the summer. Businessmen are attempting to save what is left of their assets “said he.

He and other prominent Russian businessmen, known as “oligarchs,” are subject to Western penalties that include travel restrictions, asset freezes, and the seizure of yachts and planes. The backing of billionaires who became wealthy through ties to the Kremlin is crucial to President Putin’s ability to wield political and military power.

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