Putin to get a pair of elephants as a gift from Lao President

Laos is gifting Russia a pair of elephants to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith announced the gesture during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The elephants symbolize peace, friendship, and well-being and will be sent to St. Petersburg, where Sisoulith studied.

Putin expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, they’ll come in handy.” He also noted a significant increase in bilateral trade, which rose by 66% last year and continued to grow in 2025.

St. Petersburg has a historical connection with elephants, receiving its first in 1714, and residents have long awaited their return to the zoo since the last elephant died in 1982.