Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted President Joe Biden a set of objects worth over ten thousand dollars in 2021, the most expensive gift sent by any foreign leader that year.
The report, published by the State Department each year in adherence with federal law, lists gifts valued at over $415 from foreign dignitaries to federal officials.
It documents a “Kholuy Lacquer Miniature Workshop Desk Writing Set and Pen” estimated to be worth $12,000.
The set was sent to Biden in June of 2021 during a summit between the two counties hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. It was the last time the two would speak face-to-face before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Though it isn’t the only gift Putin has sent US presidents, it is by far the most expensive in recent memory.
As is typical of foreign gifts, the reason listed for not refusing Putin’s gift is “Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and U.S. Government.”
During former President Donald Trump’s term, Putin sent just one comparatively small gift: a set of FIFA World Cup collector’s medallions in 2018, valued at $1,500.
Gifts from world leaders are typically more personalized trinkets signifying the relationship between the countries. For example, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gifted Biden two dog bowls and other small items.
Ireland’s Prime Minister gave a crystal bowl filled with shamrocks.
Other notable items given to other US officials include a gift to first lady Jill Biden, who accepted a silk carpet from Afghanistan worth $19,200. That gift came just weeks before Biden ordered the US military withdrawal that allowed the Taliban to take the country by force.
Vice President Kamala Harris chose to display a chess set gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken was presented a coin by Pope Francis.
Most of the items are transferred to the National Archives as they are received, though some are kept for official display or retained personally.
