Putin’s and Trump’s love story continues...

Nikas Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous artists has revealed the mysterious Trump portrait gifted by Putin to the US president. The painting shows Trump raising his fist on stage after the failed assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally in July 2024. The dramatic image of Trump with blood splattered across his face, became an emblem of strength in his presidential campaign. Nikas said he was contacted by Putin himself, who told him that painting a flattering portrait of Trump was a crucial step in improving Russia’s relationship with the United States (and hence getting a favourable outcome for Russia in the US-brokered Ukrainian peace deal).

The painting was delivered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who has described it as “a beautiful portrait”. Trump, he added, was “clearly touched by it.”

The Kremlin-commissioned artwork by Nikas Safronov shows Trump raising his fist on stage after the failed assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024. - Press-service of Nikas Safronov