Kim Jong-un's regime allegedly received luxury horses as payment for 'secret' exchange with Russia

The rare breed called ‘Orlov Trotters’, this horse is Russia’s most famous. Known for their speed and stamina, they are a favourite among North Korean elites.

Analysts are worried that the delivery of 30 horses is a covert payment for artillery shells for Russia’s needs in the Ukraine war.

Resumption of Trade

Russia has reportedly resumed trade with North Korea after the 300-meter-long ‘Friendship Bridge’ between the two countries had been closed by Pyongyang in 2020 due to Covid-19.

In 2003 ‘Orlov Trotters’ were sent by Moscow as a birthday present for Kim Jong-un’s father. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, a similar delivery worth tens of thousands of dollars took place.

Meanwhile, the ‘Orlov Trotter’ horses have been used by North Korean state propaganda to elevate the image of Kim Jong-un, by boosting his prowess and prestige.

This time analysts fear the delivery of horses is part of a secret exchange between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, The Telegraph reports.

Illicit trade

Under the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council, North Korea is barred to export arms or weapons.

Nevertheless, the US Governmentaccused the two pariah states back in September and then made public an intelligence report in October claiming heavy weaponry ammunition had been sent to Russia by North Korea.

According to John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, North Korea has been supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine with artillery shells, Daily Mail reports:

‘Our information indicates that the DPRK is covertly supplying Russia's war in Ukraine with a significant number of artillery shells.’

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the allegations saying they never entered such a deal.

A North Korean official from the Defense Ministry’s General Bureau of Equipment told state media that they never exported military goods to Russia, The Telegraph reports.

'We have never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia before, and we will not plan to export them.'

If the claims are true, military experts say civilians will bear the brunt of the consequences as the North Korean artillery shells are old and unguided and would further raise the risk of civilian casualties.

Sources used:

-The Telegraph: ‘Russia sends railcars of luxury horses to North Korea after 'arms help for war'

-DailyMail: ‘Do Putin and Kim have an 'arms for horses' deal? Russia sends North Korea 30 thoroughbred horses by train after Pyongyang shipped Moscow artillery shells in bid to bolster its bungled Ukraine invasion’