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U.S. President Donald Trump's most recent and deeply personal gifts came not from an American admirer, but from Russian President Vladimir Putin—a portrait capturing a dramatic moment when Trump survived an assassination attempt during a July 2024 rally in Pennsylvania.
The artist behind the emotionally charged piece is Nikas Safronov, one of Russia's most prominent contemporary painters. Speaking to Anadolu, Safronov said he was moved to tears by the event and rushed to a nearby church to pray before beginning the portrait that same night.
“Trump's courage and calm deeply inspired me,” he said. “He stood tall, raised his hand, and showed the world what bravery looks like.”
Safronov worked for nearly three weeks on the portrait. While he was unsure if the finished piece reached Trump, he later learned through U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's interview and media inquiries that it had, in fact, been delivered as a gift from Putin.
“Putin himself called and thanked me. Only then did I confirm publicly that it was my painting,” said Safronov, who typically keeps his client list private.
Safronov also shared the story of his final meeting with Pope Francis, which took place just weeks before the pontiff’s passing on April 21, 2025.
With the help of Russian Ambassador Ivan Saltanovskiy, Safronov arranged a private audience after completing a portrait of the pope. To his surprise, Francis allowed Safronov to select the date and time of the meeting.
“He said, ‘Let him choose,’ and I picked February 10. Despite his worsening health, he kept the appointment.”
Safronov brought two artworks: a formal portrait and a painting of the Basilica San Jose de Flores in Buenos Aires, the church where Francis began his religious journey. The latter brought the pope to tears.
“That memory touched him deeply,” Safronov recalled.
Türkiye holds a special place in Safronov’s heart and artistic journey. He owns land in the Mediterranean resort city of Alanya, where he plans to build a home and studio.
“I want to dedicate part of my creativity to Türkiye—its history, landscapes, and people,” he said.
Safronov has painted multiple Turkish leaders, including Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, former President Suleyman Demirel, and current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His portrait of Demirel was commissioned by Azerbaijani leader Heydar Aliyev, whom Safronov had previously portrayed.
“I spent three days with Demirel. It was a memorable experience,” he said.
In September 2024, Safronov exhibited his works in Istanbul, drawing attention from Turkish actor Burak Ozcivit, who was gifted a portrait of his wife by the artist.
Currently, Safronov is completing a new portrait of Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump and a global tech icon.
“He is building his own legacy. I hope this portrait reaches him—it’s a tribute to innovation and ambition,” Safronov said.
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