Russia Gifts Sanctioned Luxury Car to North Korea, Straining Ties

• Vladimir Putin gifted Kim Jong Un a Russian-made car, likely an Aurus limousine Putin uses, during Kim's visit to Russia last year • The gift violates UN sanctions banning luxury item imports to North Korea, passed with Russia's support

• North Korea and Russia are bolstering ties - Russia sent tourists, Putin plans to visit Pyongyang, North Korea may have sent weapons to Russia

• Kim is known to like luxury cars and has been seen driving Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz models

• South Korea condemned the gift as undermining international norms and said Russia should be aware of its responsibility