When North Korean citizens are suffering from ongoing food shortages and recent flooding, the North Korean leader has imported over 20 expensive horses from Russia. This marks the first import of Russian horses since November 2022, when North Korea received 51 horses.
Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that on Sunday, the regional veterinary customs agency of Primorsky Krai announced it had sent 24 Orlov Trotter horses to North Korea.
According to the agency’s press release, 19 stallions and 5 mares were quarantined in the Vladimir region before being transported to North Korea. The horses were loaded onto two specially equipped vehicles and crossed into North Korea through the Khasan railway checkpoint. The agency added, “These horses are microchipped.”
The Orlov breed is known for its beautiful appearance, docile nature, and muscular endurance, making it a favored breed by the Kim family.
Kim’s image riding an Orlov horse up Mount Baekdu in late 2019 has led to the breed being called Kim Jong Un’s prized horse.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea prohibit the export of luxury goods. This raises concerns that the imported high-value horses could fall into this restricted category.
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