CNN shows the portrait Putin gave to Trump as a gift
22 April 19:24
Journalists talked to Russian artist Nikas Safronov, the author of a portrait that was given to US President Donald Trump as a gift from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
This was reported by CNN, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the artist, he was “approached by people who said they wanted me to paint Trump as I see him.” At first, he said, he did not know who his visitors were, although he suspected that they were people from the Kremlin.
He assumed that his work “could bring our countries closer together,” so he decided not to take any money for it. Subsequently, Safronov was allegedly contacted by Putin himself, who confirmed that the portrait of Trump was a step toward improving Russia’s relations with the United States.
The painting depicts Trump raising his fist on the stage of his campaign rally in Pennsylvania immediately after an assassination attempt.
“It was important for me to show the blood, the scar and his bravery during the attempt on his life. He did not break down and was not afraid, but raised his hand to show that he is one with America and will give it back what it deserves,” Safronov said.
Earlier, the BBC reported, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, that Putin had given his portrait to the American president as a gift during the visit of Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow.
Peskov claimed that the portrait was a “personal gift” about which only “Putin himself can reveal additional details.” Vitkoff confirmed that he had received a portrait for Trump in Moscow. He described it as “a beautiful work by a leading Russian artist” and added that Trump was “frankly touched by it.”
