Trump amused by symbolic puck gift from Putin

US President Donald Trump responded with humour to a symbolic ice hockey puck gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chair of the US Commission on Fine Arts.

Speaking in an interview with news agency RIA Novosti, Cook Jr., who headed a US delegation to Russia, revealed details surrounding the exchange between the two world leaders.

The exchange originated in June during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Cook Jr. conveyed greetings from Trump to the Russian president. In response, Putin employed a hockey metaphor, asking for the puck to be passed back to his American counterpart.

Because Putin referenced the metaphor without presenting a physical puck at the forum, Cook Jr. personally sourced one upon returning to the United States. He subsequently placed the puck on the President's desk while explaining the symbolic meaning behind the Russian leader's gesture.

According to the US envoy, Trump laughed and found the situation very amusing upon receiving the gift and explanation.

By Sabina Mammadli