Russian president’s gesture highlights unique bond with US leader
Donald Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff, has shed light on the unique relationship between the US President and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Witkoff revealed that Putin prayed for Trump’s well-being following the attempted assassination at a campaign rally last summer—a gesture that underscored both his concern and the bond shared between the two leaders.
Witkoff recounted this anecdote during an appearance on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s podcast, describing his second meeting with Putin. He explained that the Russian president had visited his local church, met with his priest, and prayed for Trump’s recovery.
“When the president was shot, he went to his local church and met with his priest and prayed for the president,” Witkoff said of Putin.
Putin “had a friendship with him and he was praying for his friend,” he added. He also noted that when he conveyed this to Trump, the US president was “clearly touched.”
Trump’s shooting and the Kremlin’s response
This revelation comes after Trump was grazed by a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. At the time, a Kremlin spokesperson attributed the shooting to Trump’s political adversaries.
In another display of goodwill, Putin commissioned a “beautiful portrait” of Trump by a renowned Russian artist, which was later gifted to him. The move further highlighted the cordial relationship between the two leaders, with Trump having previously expressed admiration for Putin, referring to him as a “genius” and “a strong leader.” His remarks have drawn criticism from those who accuse him of being overly lenient towards the Kremlin.
Ongoing diplomatic engagement
The relationship between Putin and Trump continues to draw scrutiny, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this week, the two leaders held a two-hour phone conversation focused on ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump characterized the discussion as “very good and productive,” emphasizing continued efforts to resolve the conflict.
