The Russian president Vladimir Putin recently revealed to the White House special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff that he prayed for the health of his "friend" Donald Trump after the assassination attempt he suffered last July while he was a presidential candidate.
According to Witkoff in the podcast of Tucker Carlson, Putin visited a church in Moscow to pray for Trump after he was injured at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
During the attack, Trump was injured when a bullet grazed his right ear. The assailant, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents at the scene.
In addition to his statements, Putin commissioned a portrait of Trump by a prominent Russian artist, which was delivered to the American president by Witkoff. This gesture was well received by Trump, who expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful gift.
According to the special envoy, Putin did it "not because... he could become president of the United States, but because he had a friendship with him, and he was praying for his friend."
Witkoff, who met with Putin for several hours last week in Moscow, also deemed it "absurd" to claim that Russia had plans to eventually attack other countries in Europe.
"I don't consider Putin a bad guy. It's a complex situation, this war and all the factors that caused it," he stated.
Since Donald Trump took office on January 20, peace negotiations between the United States and Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine have undergone a significant shift in recent months.
In February 2025, both governments agreed to restore personnel at their embassies, marking an important step towards normalizing their diplomatic relations. This unprecedented rapprochement since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 laid the groundwork for future peace talks.
Later, the U.S. president suspended military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace negotiations with Russia and expedite the end of the conflict.
In March 2025, Ukraine accepted a proposal from the United States to establish a complete and immediate ceasefire with Russia, with an initial duration of 30 days and the possibility of extension if both parties agree. This cessation of hostilities covers land, maritime, and aerial operations.
That same month, President Trump described as "very positive and productive" a conversation held with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders discussed possible conditions to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump reported on a phone conversation with Zelensky, during which they discussed the next steps to advance the peace process between Ukraine and Russia. Trump described the call as "very good" and noted that it focused on aligning the demands and needs of both nations.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VLADIMIR PUTIN AND DONALD TRUMP
The relationship between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump has been the subject of analysis and speculation since before Trump's election in 2016. During that year's election campaign, reports emerged about a possible Russian interference aimed at favoring Trump's candidacy, leading to investigations and debates in the United States.
During Trump's first term (2017-2021), both leaders exhibited a public willingness to improve bilateral relations. However, the allegations of election interference and the sanctions imposed on Russia for various international actions limited significant progress in the relationship.
After Trump's re-election in 2024, a more notable rapprochement between the two leaders has been observed. The call made in February 2025 was seen as an attempt by both leaders to find diplomatic solutions to international conflicts and improve relations between their countries.
Furthermore, the Kremlin has suggested that, in addition to the two official phone calls reported in recent months, there may have been additional contacts between both leaders, indicating more frequent communication than has been publicly reported.
This history of interactions reveals a complex and evolving relationship between Putin and Trump, marked by moments of tension and rapprochement, influenced by international events and internal policies of both countries.
Frequently asked questions about the assassination attempt on Trump and the relations between the United States and Russia
What happened during the assassination attempt on Donald Trump?
During the assassination attempt last July, Donald Trump was injured when a bullet grazed his right ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead on the scene by the Secret Service. This event garnered international reactions, including gestures of support from leaders like Vladimir Putin.
What was Vladimir Putin's reaction to the attack on Trump?
Vladimir Putin prayed for Donald Trump's health after the assassination attempt. In addition, he commissioned a portrait of Trump created by a Russian artist, which was delivered to the American president. These gestures reflect the close personal relationship that both leaders have maintained, despite the political tensions between their countries.
How has the attack influenced relations between the United States and Russia?
The attack and Putin's subsequent reaction have accompanied a period of diplomatic rapprochement between the United States and Russia. Since Trump took office, peace negotiations concerning Ukraine have progressed, including the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine to pressure for a peace agreement. This context has made it easier to restore personnel at the embassies and advance direct talks between Trump, Putin, and Zelenski.
What measures have Trump and Putin taken to resolve the conflict in Ukraine?
Trump and Putin have agreed to begin negotiations immediately to end the war in Ukraine. They have worked on an initial ceasefire of 30 days, with the possibility of extending it. Additionally, they have resumed diplomatic dialogue and are considering territorial exchanges and broader peace agreements to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict.
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