Trump–Putin Meet in Alaska: Talks End Without Final Deal, But Leaders See Progress
The highly anticipated meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska concluded without a final agreement. However, both leaders described the talks as productive, signaling that significant progress had been made on several issues related to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
After the closed-door discussions, where Trump was joined by Marco Rubio, Witkoff, and other U.S. officials, while Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and economic adviser Kirill Dmitriev, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
Putin admitted no agreement was signed but stressed that an “understanding” had been reached. Trump echoed this sentiment, calling the meeting “very fruitful” and highlighting that only a few unresolved issues remained—one of them being “perhaps the most important.”
Putin’s Remarks: Security and Peace in Ukraine
Addressing the press, Putin said Ukraine remained a “fundamental threat” to Russia’s security but acknowledged that long-term peace would require addressing the root causes of the conflict. He aligned with Trump’s statement that Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed, expressing hope that Kiev and European nations would support the progress instead of obstructing it.
In a rare acknowledgment, Putin also reflected on past U.S.–Russia interactions, claiming that if Trump had been president earlier, the war would never have begun. He criticized the 2022 U.S. administration for ignoring his warnings about escalating hostilities, calling it a “serious mistake.”
Trump’s Response: Talks With NATO and Zelensky Ahead
Trump emphasized the usefulness of the meeting, noting that consensus had been reached on many points, though major issues remained unresolved. He underlined that “no agreement is final until it is signed” and announced plans to consult NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to update them on the talks.
“We’ve made a lot of progress today,” Trump said, expressing optimism about continued dialogue and possible future meetings.
Putin’s Invitation: “Next Time in Moscow”
In a symbolic gesture, Putin invited Trump to Russia, remarking “next time in Moscow” during the press conference. Trump responded positively, saying he could “see it happening,” fueling speculation about another possible summit.
First Face-to-Face Since 2019
This was the first direct meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019, making it a significant diplomatic moment amid intensifying violence in Ukraine. With millions affected by the ongoing conflict, the Alaska talks are being seen worldwide as a potential turning point in efforts to end the war.
Historic Setting: Putin in the U.S. After a Decade
Putin’s arrival in Alaska marked his first visit to American soil in 10 years. He received a red-carpet welcome with B-2 and F-22 fighter jets flying overhead, and uniformed soldiers saluting. Trump, who had reached earlier, waited aboard Air Force One for about 30 minutes before greeting Putin warmly with applause and a handshake.
The two leaders then departed together in the same vehicle for the military base, a symbolic gesture of cooperation. Security in Anchorage was tightened ahead of the summit, reflecting the global weight of the meeting.
