On September 16, Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, completed a week of tourism in Russia, in the country's far east. Along with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, he took this opportunity to examine Russia's state-of-the-art military equipment, including a MiG-31 fighter and its Kinjal hypersonic missile system and Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers. The festivities ended with a lavish meal and a joyful exchange of gifts.
Kim was offered a ushanka. But what kind of fur is it made of? Rabbit or muskrat fur models are commonplace. More luxurious fox, marten, or sheep models are also widespread. The ones supplied to Russian soldiers are traditionally made from a synthetic material that Russians mockingly call "fish fur." In all likelihood, however, Kim's chapka is made from reindeer fawn fur. Known as "pijik," they are worn by Russian leaders and members of the upper crust.
Undeniably spoiled, Kim also received a beautiful dagger, known in Russia as a kinjal. These daggers and their scabbards, richly decorated with gold or silver motifs, sometimes even encrusted with precious stones, have been used as secondary weapons in Russia since ancient times. But the symbolism of this gift goes further. As we have seen, the word kinjal also designates a Russian hypersonic missile, the Kh-47M2 Kinjal. It goes without saying that it is used in the war in Ukraine.
Shoigou displayed a broad smile and an extensive collection of military decorations and ranks. On his épaulette were a gold star and a red star encircled by a laurel wreath, which since 2003 have represented the rank of Shoigu, General of the Army, the second-highest in Russia. The top grade, Marshal of the Russian Federation, has only been awarded so far to Igor Sergeyev, an officer who became defense minister in 1997. On his épaulette, Russia's double-headed eagle emblem replaced the red star, the culmination of chic.
Speaking of military accouterment, let's note the presence of a man in a T-shirt and zip-up jacket in the background [between Kim and Shoigu]. Casual? Not at all. When he was appointed defense minister in 2012, Shoigou revolutionized the military dress code to facilitate their freedom of movement and thus simplify their day-to-day work. The jacket, shirt and tie were replaced by a simple zip-up jacket and T-shirt, with noticeable results. Look at how free of his movements he is and how happy he looks.
Translation of an original article published in French on lemonde.fr; the publisher may only be liable for the French version.