Putin Sends 70 Animals to North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent over 70 animals, including a lion, two brown bears, yaks, cockatoos, and pheasants, to North Korea's Kim Jong-Un as a gesture of friendship amidst their growing diplomatic ties. This unusual gift follows North Korea's recent deployment of thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict against Ukraine. The animals were transported from Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang Central Zoo under the supervision of Russia's natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov. This exchange is part of a broader pattern of animal diplomacy between the two nations, which have been strengthening their alliance, especially after signing a mutual defense pact in June. The gifts are seen as symbolic gestures reinforcing their camaraderie in the face of Western sanctions. Additionally, North Korea has provided artillery shells and missiles to Russia, further solidifying their military cooperation.