Putin gifted Kim Jong Un 24 purebred horses as payment for the artillery shells North Korea sent to Russia: report

• Vladimir Putin gifted Kim Jong Un 24 purebred horses as payment for artillery shells, The Times reported.
• The horses — 19 stallions and five mares — are Orlov Trotters, Kim's favorite breed.
• This is the latest instance of animal diplomacy between the two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un two dozen purebred horses as payment for artillery shells, The Times reported .

The outlet cited an announcement from veterinary authorities in Primorsky Krai, a Russian region connected to North Korea by train.

The announcement noted that 24 horses were transported across the border on Sunday, The Times wrote.

The horses — 19 stallions and five mares — are Orlov Trotters, a white-grey breed that is Kim's favorite.

The North Korean leader's love for the horses is well documented. In 2019, he was famously pictured riding a white stallion on Mount Paektu during snowfall.

This is the latest example of animal diplomacy between the two countries.

In June, Reuters reported that Kim gifted Putin a pair of white Pungsan dogs , a North Korean breed, citing state media KCNA.

And in August, Politico reported that Russia had sent over 447 goats to North Korea, which would provide dairy products to local children and alleviate North Korea's food shortages.

The two leaders are increasingly strengthening ties between their countries, a trend that has worried China and the West.

In June, Putin became the first Russian leader to visit North Korea in 24 years. During the high-profile visit, they signed a defense pact in which they pledged to protect each other if attacked.

The partnership stated that North Korea would supply Russia with artillery for its war in Ukraine, while reports say that Russia would provide North Korea with satellite technology.

Some parts of their meeting in June, however, were less serious than others. They made sure to show off what seemed like a budding bromance , giving each other lavish gifts like cars, art, and animals.