The Kremlin confirmed this development, with Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, acknowledging the gift was handed to Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a visit to Moscow earlier this month. Peskov, however, refrained from providing further details on the matter.
As reported by Breitbart, the revelation of this diplomatic exchange came to light during an interview between Witkoff and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Witkoff shared that President Trump was "clearly touched" by the portrait, which he described as "beautiful." This exchange underscores the complex and often scrutinized relationship between the two leaders, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Witkoff's visit to Moscow was part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Talks have been ongoing, with recent ceasefire discussions taking place in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. officials engaged with their Russian counterparts following meetings with Ukrainian negotiators. During his conversation with Carlson, Witkoff recounted Putin's "gracious" gesture and mentioned that the Russian leader had prayed for Trump after hearing about an incident during his campaign in Pennsylvania. "He was praying for his friend," Witkoff noted, reflecting on Putin's comments.
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This is not the first instance of Putin bestowing gifts upon a sitting U.S. president. In 2018, he famously presented President Trump with a soccer ball, which was thoroughly examined by the Secret Service for any hidden listening devices before being passed on to Trump's son. This precautionary measure harkens back to a historical episode in 1945 when a carving of the Great Seal of the United States, gifted by Soviet schoolchildren to U.S. Ambassador Averell Harriman, was discovered to contain a covert listening device after hanging in his office for six years.
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The current status of the portrait's security examination remains unclear, as the White House has yet to comment on whether it has been checked for bugs. This silence leaves room for speculation, given the historical context of espionage between the two nations.
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Putin's tradition of gifting to U.S. leaders extends beyond President Trump. In 2021, he presented then-President Joe Biden with a $12,000 lacquer writing box and pen during a summit in Geneva. Similarly, in 2013, Putin reportedly sent porcelain plates and espresso cups to then-President Barack Obama. Furthermore, in 2014, a portrait of former President George H.W. Bush was sent to mark his 90th birthday.
These gestures, while seemingly benign, are often viewed through a lens of skepticism, given the intricate web of international relations. As the portrait exchange continues to capture attention, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of diplomacy and the enduring complexities of U.S.-Russia relations.
