MAD Vlad gifted frenemy Trump a portrait of himself back in March – and now, the world finally gets a glimpse.
The portrait was hidden from the public until now – and it’s no surprise the US president was “clearly touched” by the move.
ReutersThe Kremlin-commissioned artwork gifted to Trump is seen as a major diplomatic move[/caption]
Putin’s gift is a portrait of a bloodied Trump raising his fist on stage after the failed assassination attempt against himTwitter/9NEWS
APTrump says he has ‘a very good relationship with’ Putin in spite of their power struggle over the war in Ukraine[/caption]
After Trump trashed a Brit-made portrait as “truly the worst”, Putin knew better than to risk a repeat.
Putin’s gift is “a beautiful portrait” by a “leading Russian artist” that “clearly touched” Trump, according to special envoy Steve Witkoff in an interview with podcast host Tucker Carlson in March.
The portrait was verified on the same day that Trump blasted another portrait hanging in the Colorado State Capitol building.
It has now been publicly released by CNN.
The painting shows Trump’s “iconic” fist pump moment after the failed assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally in July 2024.
In the background, the US flag and the Statue of Liberty can be seen.
It was painted by one of Russia’s most famous artists, Nikas Safronov, who has also painted the late Pope Francis, India’s President Narendra Modi and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Safronov is also known to have painted Vladimir Putin himself.
Speaking to CNN about the Trump portrait, Safronov, 69, said he was “visited by some people who said they want me to paint Trump as I see him.”
While did not know who his “visitors” were, he suspected it was the Kremlin.
“When I started the portrait, I realized this could bring our countries closer, and decided not to charge any money because I suspected what this painting was for.”
Putin himself then contacted the artist and told him the portrait was intended to improve Russia-US relations.
Discussing the portrait, Safronov said: “It was important to me to show the blood, the scar and his bravery during the attempt on his life.
“He didn’t break down or become afraid, but raised his arm to show he is one with America and will bring back what it deserves.”
The image of Trump raising his right fist after being shot, with blood splattered across his face and ear, became an emblem of strength and defiance in his presidential campaign.
At Trump’s final victory rally before being sworn in as president, he displayed this signature move – fist-pumping and swaying from side to side.
Putin reportedly said he had prayed for Trump after last summer’s assassination attempt.
Donald Trump raged about his unflattering portrait by British artist Sarah Boardman on Truth Social
Painter Sarah Boardman painted the portrait of Trump that provoked his wrath
It comes as Trump blasted British artist Sarah Boardman’s painting of his hanging in the Colorado State Capitol building.
The president unleashed a scathing rant about the painting, and even claimed it was “purposefully distorted”.
He noted that Barack Obama’s, on the other hand, looked “wonderful”.
He demanded authorities take down the portrait, saying he would “prefer not having one.”
It is currently on display at the Colorado State Capitol – and is different to the official presidential portrait that is inside the White House.
Meanwhile, Trump’s former White House adviser recently warned that Vladimir Putin is trying to manipulate Donald Trump to get what he wants.
John Bolton, who worked with Trump during his first term, believes Vlad is trying to get his malicious hooks into the US President.
Fresh into his second term, Trump has started to thaw three years of isolation by the West by picking up the phone to Putin last month.
What followed was a 90-minute conversation, breaking the thick ice between Moscow and Washington for the first time since Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine three years prior.
Described by the American side as “lengthy and productive”, Trump announced immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Can there be peace?
BY Lydia Doye
EARLIER this year it seemed hopeful that world leaders would broker a peace deal in Ukraine.
But these hopes are wavering as Putin has repeatedly refused to cooperate, instead choosing to ramp up attacks on Ukraine.
Putin’s latest recruitment drive could have huge ramifications for peace with Donald Trump already voicing serious concerns over Putin’s readiness to agree to a ceasefire in recent days.
Putin has already angered the US President over refusing to commit to any truce agreement.
Trump previously admitted he was “p***ed off” with the Russian tyrant after he called for Zelensky’s removal from office in an effort to stall peace.
In Europe Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have put forward an idea to help maintain a future truce deal by sending their troops to patrol.
But this proposal has been widely condemned by Putin and his Kremlin pals sparking further Russia-European tensions.
Trump danced on stage with the Village People in January, making his fist-pumping gesture Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
