From Russia Standard vodka to lobsters; Sneak peek into Kim Jong Un's bulletproof train

Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia: A peek into his swanky, bulletproof train

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia for his first visit to a foreign country in over four years. The trip comes amidst US warnings about a possible arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow that could violate UN sanctions. But what has caught the attention of many observers is the mode of transport that Kim chose for his journey: a luxury, bulletproof train that has been used by his father and grandfather before him.

The train, painted in a drab green color with a yellow stripe, is a symbol of the Kim dynasty's power and prestige. It is also a testament to their paranoia and preference for privacy, as they avoid flying on commercial or even military planes. The train is equipped with everything that Kim needs to travel in comfort and security, from lavish reception halls and conference rooms to state-of-the-art communication facilities and attack weapons.

According to South Korea's unification ministry, the train has bulletproof windows and reinforced walls and floors to protect against explosives. It also has a helicopter for escape in case of emergency. The train carries crates of expensive French wine, offering passengers the opportunity to indulge in fresh lobster and pork barbecue. The train's most crucial aspect is its security. It travels in tandem with two other trains: one that precedes the main one carrying the leader to ensure the safety of the railway tracks, and another that follows closely behind with additional bodyguards and supplies.

Despite its slowness, the train has key advantages over an aircraft, according to the ministry. It offers more flexibility in unforeseen circumstances, including attacks. Were an aircraft with Kim on it to be attacked, "survival chances are significantly reduced", it said.

The train is also a tribute to Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, who used it to visit China, Russia and the former Soviet Union. Kim Jong Il, Kim's father, also used it for his foreign trips, including his first meeting with Putin in 2001. Kim Jong Un inherited the train after his father's death in 2011, and has used it for his four visits to China and one to Russia so far.

The train is nicknamed "Taeyangho", meaning "the sun" in Korean, according to some media reports. It is said to have 90 high-security carriages at the leader's disposal, and can reach a maximum speed of just 37 mph due to its heavy weight. The train is estimated to have traveled more than 2,500 miles from Pyongyang to Vladivostok, where Kim and Putin are expected to hold talks on Wednesday.

The meeting between the two leaders will be closely watched by the international community, as it could have implications for the stalled nuclear negotiations between North Korea and the US. Kim may seek Putin's support for easing the sanctions that have crippled his country's economy, or for obtaining advanced weapons that could enhance his military capabilities. Putin may also use the meeting as an opportunity to assert his influence in the region and challenge the US dominance.

Whatever the outcome of the summit, one thing is certain: Kim will return home on his trusty green train, enjoying the perks of his privileged lifestyle while keeping a low profile from prying eyes.

Source: 

(1) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia for rare summit with Vladimir Putin. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-arrives-in-russia-before-an-expected-meeting-with-putin-543643.
(2) Kim Jong-un’s Russia visit signals priority on Moscow ties. https://telanganatoday.com/kim-jong-uns-russia-visit-signals-priority-on-moscow-ties.

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