In a high-profile meeting watched around the globe, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their historic summit in Anchorage, Alaska, without reaching a concrete agreement.
Trump remained upbeat, emphasizing that while progress was made on “many points,” the most significant issue still remained unresolved.
No Ceasefire Yet as Talks Conclude
After two-and-a-half hours of intense discussion, neither leader announced a ceasefire.
Trump confirmed he had updated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO allies, stressing that ultimate approval rests with Kyiv.
“We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” Trump said, offering few specifics.
Putin appeared to catch Trump off guard when he asked in English, “Next time in Moscow?” Trump responded cautiously, noting it was an “interesting” possibility.
The press conference that followed was brief, with no questions taken before both presidents shook hands, posed for photos, and left the room.
Trump Rehashes Russian Interference Claims
Trump also addressed the long-standing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, which he has repeatedly called a “hoax.”
He described the investigation as “criminal” but claimed it hampered the country’s ability to address key business and diplomatic matters.
Putin Praises Trump and Lays Out His Position
In his pre-prepared remarks, Putin called Trump his “dear neighbour” and emphasized Russia’s desire to manage Ukraine in a way he considered constructive.
He reiterated that Russia views Ukraine as a “brotherly nation,” while continuing to insist that the primary causes of the conflict must be addressed.
The Russian president spoke at length, almost twice as long as Trump, highlighting historical ties between the two nations and echoing Trump’s refrain that the war might have been avoided under his leadership.
Summit Sparks Criticism and Praise
Russian officials praised the meeting, with envoy Kirill Dmitriev calling it “incredibly well.”
Ukrainian politicians, however, condemned the summit as a “failure,” criticizing Putin’s rhetoric and lack of concrete action.
Meanwhile, the UK prepared to commit troops to Ukraine should a ceasefire be reached, with Defence Secretary John Healey highlighting plans to deploy trainers, engineers, and RAF fighter jets to secure Ukrainian skies.
Behind Closed Doors: Strategy and Security
Initially planned as a one-on-one meeting, Trump and Putin each brought two advisers, including Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff for Trump, and Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakova for Putin.
This change aimed to prevent potential manipulation in private talks, given Putin’s KGB background.
The summit began with a backdrop reading “Pursuing Peace,” but the atmosphere was tense as journalists shouted pointed questions at Putin, who remained unfazed.
Arrival and Red Carpet Drama
The world watched as Trump and Putin arrived in Anchorage, each greeted by a red carpet and a display of U.S. military might.
Trump raised his fist to cameras while Putin, smirking, stepped onto American soil for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The leaders shared a handshake and rode together in the presidential limousine, escorted to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The setting included carefully arranged flowers and a white table for the negotiations.
Pre-Summit Antics and Propaganda
Leading up to the talks, Russian officials, including Lavrov, flaunted Soviet-era symbolism, provoking outrage from Ukrainian supporters.
Pro-Kremlin media celebrated minor symbolic gestures, such as serving Chicken Kyiv to reporters, sparking social media reactions.
Meanwhile, protesters in Anchorage demanded Ukraine’s inclusion in discussions, highlighting global concerns over the summit’s legitimacy.
Global Reactions and Next Steps
Trump repeatedly stressed his desire for a ceasefire but admitted nothing was set in stone.
He praised Putin as “a smart guy” and hinted at potential security guarantees with European partners, though he clarified this would not equate to NATO membership for Ukraine.
After the summit, Putin visited local sites, including a cemetery for Soviet pilots and a statue commemorating U.S.-Russian WWII cooperation.
Meanwhile, international scrutiny intensified as the meeting’s implications for Ukraine, Europe, and global diplomacy became clear.