Russian president Putin gifts Trump a personalised portrait | World News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a unique gift to his US counterpart Donald Trump – a custom-made portrait of himself. The portrait, created a leading Russian art, was presented to Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during his visit to Moscow earlier this month. Witkoff then delivered the portrait to Trump, who reportedly appreciated the gesture.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift, but didn’t provide any additional details. This act of goodwill from Putin comes as a surprise, and highlights the complex relationship between the two leaders.
The gift was first mentioned Witkoff in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson last week. As reported AP, Witkoff described the portrait as ‘beautiful’ and said Trump ‘was clearly touched’ the gesture.
Story continues below this ad

Witkoff had met Putin after discussions with Russian officials about ending the war in Ukraine. Ceasefire negotiations continued on Monday in Saudi Arabia, where US representatives met their Russian counterparts, a day after holding talks with Ukrainian negotiators.
During his interview with Carlson, Witkoff also recalled Putin’s remarks about Trump surviving an assassination attempt during his campaign last year. “He was praying for his friend,” Witkoff said, quoting the Russian leader.
Putin has presented gifts to previous US presidents as well. In 2018, he gave then-President Trump a football, which the Secret Service examined for lening devices before Trump passed it to his son. The precaution echoed a Cold War-era incident when a carved Great Seal of the United States, gifted Soviet schoolchildren in 1945, was later discovered to contain a hidden lening device.

It is unclear whether the portrait given to Trump has undergone similar security checks. The White House has not commented on the matter.Story continues below this ad
Putin’s hory of gifting extends to other American leaders. As AP reports, he presented Joe Biden with a $12,000 lacquer writing box and pen in 2021 and sent Barack Obama porcelain plates and espresso cups in 2013. Additionally, in 2014, he reportedly gifted former President George H.W. Bush a portrait for his 90th birthday.