Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 24 Orlov trotters.

Axar.az reports that Western media has been surprised by this gift. This is not the first such gift; in 2022, the Russian leader sent thirty horses to Pyongyang. This new batch includes 19 stallions and 5 mares, which were transported by land from the Primorsky region.

These horses are Orlov trotters, often featured in North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s propaganda photos. North Korea's interest in investment is not limited to nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles; it also extends to one of the world’s oldest military technologies – the country is developing a network of cavalry units. From 2020 to 2023, North Korea spent approximately $600,000 on purchasing breeding horses from the Russian Federation.

The value of these horses to Kim is more symbolic than military: they play a significant role in the cult of personality he has created around himself and his family.

Indeed, Kim Jong Un has been seen riding horses with his father Kim Jong Il and his wife Ri Sol Ju. In February, state media published photos of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju-a riding Orlov trotters at a military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Korean People's Army.