Orlov Trotter breed, known to be Kim Jong-un’s favorite. (X/SprinterFamily)
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted 24 purebred Orlov Trotter horses to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The gesture is reportedly in exchange for artillery shells that North Korea has supplied to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to reports on Sunday.
The 24 horses, comprising 19 stallions and 5 mares, are of the Orlov Trotter breed, known to be Kim Jong-un’s favorite. The shipment of these prized animals arrived in Russia on Sunday, marking them as partial payment for the North Korean artillery shells that have been critical for Russia amidst its military operations in Ukraine. The Orlov Trotter holds significant symbolic value in North Korea, representing a blend of power and heritage. Kim’s fondness for this breed is well-documented, with previous shipments of 30 Orlov Trotters to Pyongyang two years ago, further cementing the cultural ties between the two nations.
Kim Jong-un has frequently been associated with the imagery of horseback riding, often depicted as a powerful leader. In 2019, a propaganda video released by North Korean state media showed Kim riding a white stallion on the snow-covered Mount Paektu, an image that quickly went viral and became iconic. The horse he rode in that video, like the Orlov Trotters, is symbolic of North Korea’s national pride and resilience. The post-Korean War economic recovery effort was even named after the mythical winged horse, Chollima, a name also given to one of the country’s rocket boosters, Chollima-1.
The exchange of gifts between Putin and Kim highlights the growing bond between Russia and North Korea. Earlier in June, Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a breed native to North Korea and known for its hunting prowess. This exchange followed the signing of a "comprehensive partnership agreement," indicating deepening diplomatic ties. Additionally, in August, Putin sent Kim 447 goats.
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