ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced a highly anticipated summit today at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, drawing global attention amid hopes—and skepticism—for progress in halting the war in Ukraine.
Arriving separately yet ceremoniously, both leaders shared a handshake on an “ALASKA 2025” red carpet flanked by fighter jets, before boarding the reinforced presidential limousine, “The Beast.” What began as a planned one-on-one meeting evolved into a “three-on-three” delegation, with Trump joined by Senator Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff, while Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and advisor Yury Ushakov.
Trump expressed cautious optimism, stressing that his primary goal is to secure a ceasefire and quickly convene a three-way meeting including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He added: “…I’m not going to be happy if [a ceasefire] isn’t today.” He also renewed his warning that “economically severe” consequences could follow if Russia fails to demonstrate a willingness for peace.
Meanwhile, protesters took to the streets of Anchorage, waving Ukrainian flags and voicing deep concerns that the talks might sideline Ukraine’s sovereignty. A local outcry highlighted fears of territorial concessions made without Ukrainian consent—a step Zelenskyy and European leaders strongly oppose.
Anchorage’s own mayor expressed being caught off guard by the summit’s location. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance revealed that she learned of the meeting through Trump’s social media rather than from official channels, adding to the political unease surrounding the summit.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cold War-era jets and recast historical symbolism—Alaska having once been Russian territory—the summit reflects both the gravity of the moment and the complex theatrical diplomacy at play. Many eyes worldwide remain fixed on whether this high-stakes encounter will spur a meaningful path to peace—or prove merely a symbolic spectacle.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, AP News, Reuters (Mayor’s statement)
