Yuri Kobzar15:21, 18.12.25

This happened during Witkoff’s last visit to Moscow in early December.

The Russian authorities “presented” US President Donald Trump with “a whole box of caviar”, passing it on through special envoy Steve Witkoff , who had previously met with Putin in Moscow. This was reported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Khabarovsk Territory.

According to Russians, during his recent visit to Russia, the US President’s special envoy tried red caviar in a Moscow restaurant.

“The feast made such a big impression that the special envoy was presented with a whole box of caviar, which Vitkoff took to Trump,” boasted the authorities of the Khabarovsk Territory, where this caviar is produced.

The Russians did not specify exactly what volume they meant by “a whole box” of caviar. If it is more than 5 kg, then under American law Trump is obliged to refuse such a gift.

The U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits any federal official, including the president, from accepting any gifts from foreign countries without the consent of Congress. This is done to prevent foreign influence and corruption. In 1966, Congress passed the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act , which gives general congressional consent for the president to accept any gifts, provided that they are of “minimal value.” For 2023-2025, this is $480.

At today’s prices, 5 kg of red caviar in Russia costs about $480, although in the United States it costs twice as much. Under US law, Trump must either obtain separate congressional approval for such an expensive gift or buy it back at full cost, as such expensive gifts are automatically considered the property of the US state. If Trump accepts a box of Russian caviar without obtaining congressional approval or paying for it, it would be considered a bribe.

(C)UNIAN 2025