Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea's main zoo more than 70 animals, including a lion and two brown bears, in yet another display of burgeoning relations between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Russia needs North Korean troops and weapons for its war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin sent dozens of wild animals as a thank you 'gift.'

An African lion, two bears, two domestic yaks, 25 pheasants, 40 mandarin ducks and five white cockatoos were sent to North Korea.