Kim Jong Un's Lavish and Armored Train: A Look Inside the North Korean Leader's Russia Trip

Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, has reportedly arrived in Russia for a summit with President Vladimir Putin, a meeting that the US claims will focus on supplying weapons for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un traveled in his opulently decorated, heavily armored, and notably slow-moving private train. It's reported that his train cannot exceed 59 km/hour, in contrast to high-speed trains in London (about 200 km/hour) and Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains (up to 320 km/hour).

But why does Kim Jong Un prefer train travel over flying? It's said that both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, had a fear of flying, possibly stemming from an incident where they witnessed a jet explosion during a test flight. While Kim Il Sung did fly to the Soviet Union after that incident in 1986, it marked the last time a North Korean leader publicly traveled abroad by air for over three decades. However, Kim Jong Un was reportedly a frequent flier during his boarding school days in Switzerland.

Since taking office in 2011, Kim Jong Un has occasionally chosen to fly, including to Singapore in 2018 for his meeting with then-US President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, his preference for train travel may be rooted in tradition and respect for his family.

Kim Jong Un's train, identical to the one used by his father and grandfather, comprises 21 bulletproof carriages with plush leather sofas and conference rooms. The train possibly offers more security and luxury than air travel, and it follows a family tradition.

Additional details about Kim Jong Un's train include the use of two separate trains: one leading the entourage for security checks on the railway tracks and the other trailing carrying bodyguards and support personnel. The train likely provides a range of luxuries, with a gourmet menu and other amenities.

For security, around 100 agents sweep train stations ahead of the entourage to check for potential threats, and power is shut off at stations to prevent other trains from moving. A logistical support group, including Soviet-made transport planes and helicopters, accompanies the train.

Kim Jong Un's Russia trip, according to the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, will be a full-scale visit, focusing on relations between the two neighboring countries and strengthening their friendship. While both Moscow and Pyongyang denied earlier US accusations of arms deals, they have pledged to enhance their defense ties.

Also Read: As the US and South Korea commence military exercises, North Korea carries out missile tests

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