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.
After 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” , according to special envoy Steve Witkoff in an interview with podcast host in March.
The on the same day thathanging in the Colorado State Capitol building.
It has now been publicly released by CNN.
The painting shows 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, – fist-pumping and swaying from side to side.
Putin reportedly said he had prayed for Trump after last summer's assassination attempt.
It comes as 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 to get what he wants.
, who worked with Trump during his first term, believes 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 .
What followed was a 90-minute conversation, breaking the thick ice between and for the first time since Putin ordered his troops into three years prior.
Described by theside as “lengthy and productive”, Trump announced immediate negotiations to end the.
