Russian President Vladimir Putin drove North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a Russian-built Aurus limousine during a visit to Pyongyang in June. Both the leaders cruised along Pyongyang flaunting their strengthened anti-Western alliance. The luxury sedan, unveiled in 2018, aimed to showcase Russia’s domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on imported technology and goods. However, customs records show the sedan’s manufacturer imports millions of dollars worth of parts, many from South Korea, labelled by Kim Pyongyang’s “primary foe.” The imports highlight Russia’s ongoing reliance on Western technology as it seeks to navigate Western efforts to isolate it from global supply chains over the Ukraine war.
