By M10News International Desk | 15 August 2025
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met on a red carpet in Alaska on Friday ahead of critical talks over the Russia-Ukraine war.
The US president and the Russian leader shook hands and exchanged cordial words on the tarmac at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base in Anchorage, as photographers captured the encounter.
Trump is meeting Putin to discuss a potential resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing for more than three years. The two leaders began face-to-face discussions after the red carpet greeting and a joint ride in the presidential limousine, known as “the Beast.”
Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped the war could end by 2023, while Trump claimed last year that he could resolve the conflict within “24 hours” if re-elected.
The Alaska meeting marks the first in-person encounter between Trump and Putin in six years.
Initially expected to be a one-on-one discussion, the session expanded into a three-on-three format, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff joining, while Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.
Trump highlighted the gravity of the talks on social media, posting “HIGH STAKES!!!” shortly before departing for Alaska.
The US president arrived at Elmendorf-Richardson at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time, with Putin landing 34 minutes later. The two leaders then stepped onto the tarmac for the red carpet greeting before beginning a working breakfast with their teams at around 11:30 a.m. local time (8:30 p.m. BST).
During breakfast, reporters asked Putin, “Will you commit to not killing any more civilians?” The Russian leader cupped his hands around his mouth and appeared to respond, though no direct statement was given.
Following the initial talks, both presidents are expected to hold a broader meeting with their delegations, after which Trump plans to brief Zelensky and other European leaders. A joint press conference is anticipated once discussions conclude.
Trump’s approach to the conflict has shifted in recent months, alternating between criticism of Zelensky and condemnation of Putin’s actions. In contrast, the Russian president has remained largely reserved regarding his objectives for the Alaska summit.
“The current American administration… is making, in my opinion, quite energetic and sincere efforts to stop the hostilities, stop the crisis and reach agreements that are of interest to all parties involved in this conflict,” Putin said on Thursday.
Zelensky has expressed concern over Ukraine’s exclusion from the bilateral talks, warning that meaningful progress cannot be achieved without his country at the negotiating table.
“We understand Russia’s intention to try to deceive America – we will not allow this,” Zelensky said over the weekend, emphasising Ukraine’s position in any peace discussions.
The high-profile Alaska meeting represents a significant diplomatic moment, with the world watching closely for potential breakthroughs or setbacks in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
