Russia has sent 447 goats to North Korea, marking a growing bond between the two countries. According to North Korean media, these goats will help provide dairy products for children in the Nampo region. This generous gift is part of a larger plan for Russia to continue sending farm animals to North Korea in the future.

The exchange comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in June, his first visit to the country in over 20 years. During his trip, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a new strategic partnership treaty, showing that the two nations are building closer ties.

Russia’s state veterinary service, Rosselkhoznadzor, confirmed that they sent 432 female goats and 15 male goats to a North Korean trading company. In return, Kim Jong-un gifted Putin two Pungsan dogs, a special breed native to North Korea. This exchange of animals isn’t new; Russia previously sent 30 thoroughbred horses to North Korea in 2022. Kim Jong-un, known to be an enthusiastic rider, was likely pleased with the horses.

Russia and North Korea have had friendly relations dating back to the Soviet era, but in recent years, their bond has strengthened as both countries oppose the influence of the United States. Russian state television has praised their partnership as part of a larger effort to resist what they call “global imperialism” led by the U.S. and its allies.

North Korea has also shown support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is believed that North Korea provided artillery shells and possibly even some missiles to help Russia’s military. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia used a North Korean missile in an attack on Kyiv, which tragically killed a father and his four-year-old son.

This exchange of gifts between Russia and North Korea goes beyond animals—it signals a growing alliance between two nations that stand in opposition to the West.