President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska in a highly anticipated summit, marking their first in-person meeting since Trump’s return to the White House. The talks, which lasted nearly three hours, focused on finding ways to address the situation in Ukraine.
Trump described the meeting as “very profound” and “productive,” saying that many points were agreed upon, with only a few remaining. “One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” he said, adding that he would brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, NATO, and other officials about the discussions.
Putin expressed appreciation for the “friendly” tone of the meeting and suggested that their next meeting could take place in Moscow, a proposal Trump described as “interesting” and potentially feasible despite anticipated criticism.
A focus on diplomacy and dialogue
While no formal agreement was reached, both leaders emphasized progress. Trump said, “We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left… We didn’t get there.”
Putin highlighted the potential for renewed cooperation, noting that the discussions could serve as a reference point not only for resolving issues in Ukraine but also for restoring pragmatic relations between Russia and the US.
The summit included senior officials from both sides, reflecting a measured approach. For Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff joined, while Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and adviser Yuri Ushakov. The change from a previously planned one-on-one meeting suggested a more cautious approach than in past summits.
Despite media focus on Ukraine, the meeting underscored Russia’s interest in being recognized as a key partner in international diplomacy. Observers noted the warm reception at the base, including a handshake and shared ride in the presidential limo, which highlighted mutual respect between the leaders.
After the summit, Putin laid flowers at the graves of Soviet pilots who died in Alaska during World War II while ferrying US-built aircraft to the Soviet Union under the lend-lease program, further underlining historical ties between the two nations.
Implications for the Ukraine situation
Although no formal deal was signed, experts noted that the summit could open avenues for further discussions, potentially allowing Russia more time to advance its position while signaling its willingness to engage diplomatically. Trump offered both incentives and cautions, including the prospect of economic sanctions if progress was not made, but Russia’s strategic interests remained central to the dialogue.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders were not included in the talks, leaving some questions about how future agreements might be shaped. Nevertheless, Putin emphasized that both countries could “turn the page and go back to cooperation,” framing Russia as a responsible international actor seeking a stable outcome.
Analysts suggest that while the war continues, the summit may provide a foundation for Russia to negotiate from a position of strength, maintaining its priorities in Ukraine while fostering dialogue with the US. Both leaders concluded the meeting on a cordial note, leaving the possibility open for further high-level engagement.
