Kim Jong-un Defies UN Sanctions with New Mercedes-Benz SUV

Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader, has been seen using a new Mercedes-Benz SUV despite UN sanctions. The luxury vehicle was noticed on a special train during his visit to flood-hit areas. UN sanctions have banned luxury imports into North Korea since 2006.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been spotted defying UN sanctions, utilizing a new model of a Mercedes-Benz SUV, according to South Korean local media reports. Photographs published by Seoul-based Yonhap news agency on Tuesday show Kim using the luxurious vehicle while visiting flood-stricken areas in North Phyongan Province.

Enacted in 2006, the UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from importing luxury goods, including high-end cars, following Pyongyang's nuclear tests. Yonhap noted that Kim was previously seen with a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 in January, suggesting a preference for the German-made luxury cars.

Kim Jong-un's use of foreign luxury vehicles has previously come under international scrutiny. Notably, during his June meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang, the two leaders toured the city in a Russian Aurus limousine. This followed Kim's first ride in a luxury car gifted by Putin in March, highlighting their growing alliance.

Reports indicate Kim has a collection of luxury foreign-made cars, believed to be smuggled into North Korea. His use of the Aurus limousine marks a notable addition to this illicit collection. During his recent Russian visit, Kim transported his own Maybach limousine on his special train, reflecting his penchant for high-end vehicles.

Efforts to impose new sanctions on North Korea over its missile tests have been obstructed by Russia and China, as highlighted by Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, in the US, former President Donald Trump labeled both Putin and Kim Jong-un as 'smart and vicious' during an interview with Elon Musk on social media platform X.

Trump further claimed he had advised Putin against invading Ukraine, emphasizing his influence in mitigating nuclear tensions with North Korea. Trump suggested that the relationship dynamics with global leaders portrayed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are perceived poorly by international adversaries.

In his interview, Trump also mentioned former President Obama's concerns about North Korea, asserting his own swift resolution of such issues. The contentious dynamics between global powers continue to unfold, with luxury car imports marking yet another point of controversy.

(With inputs from agencies.)