Trump and Putin Arrive at Alaska 2025 Summit
Opening Reception
- Trump and Putin landed, shook hands, and posed before the “ALASKA 2025” banner.
- The press captured the historic moment as both leaders stepped onto the stage.
Alaskan Air Display
While Trump guided Putin toward the welcome platform, A‑2 stealth bomber and two U.S. fighter jets formed a flyover above them.
Putin glanced upward, witnessing the impressive showcase of U.S. military strength.
Trump’s Question on Success
During the trip aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked what success in this meeting would look like.
His initial response was “I can’t tell you that.”
‘I want to see a ceasefire’
Revised Commentary
Key Assertions
- Flexibility: No definitive timeline; the speaker emphasizes the desire for a quick ceasefire.
- European Role: Europe does not dictate actions, yet its participation is inevitable alongside Zelensky.
- Immediate Action: The statement underscores the urgency of ending combat, regardless of the exact date.
Financial Perspective
While the speaker acknowledges that EU nations are sending weaponry for Ukraine and NATO defense, the focus remains on halting the violence rather than monetary considerations.
Historical Context
The speaker criticizes his predecessor for allocating $350 billion to Ukraine with scant returns, pointing out that the nation suffered 7,011 casualties last week. A specific incident highlighted involved 36 fatalities in a town struck by a missile.
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Putin’s White House Visit Overshadows Zelensky’s Earlier Arrival
Last February, former President Trump led a heated confrontation with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, a moment captured in vivid detail by the BBC.
In contrast, the BBC noted a noticeably calmer scene when Russian President Vladimir Putin merged with Trump inside the presidential chopper, affectionately dubbed “The Beast.”
By simply disembarking and strolling down the red carpet, Putin’s presence alone earned his side a significant symbolic advantage, the BBC highlighted.
- Historical Impact: Putin’s arrival marks a notable shift compared to Zelensky’s earlier visit.
- Symbolic Victory: Being aboard “The Beast” gave Putin an immediate edge.
- Pariah Status: The BBC described Putin as a figure who has become an international pariah.
The meeting begins
Alaska Summit Kicks Off at 11:32 ET
Meeting Time: 11:32 Eastern Time (21:32 Central, 20:32 British)
First 40 Minutes of Silence
- After the opening bell, CNN noted that Putin had not yet answered reporters’ questions.
- Journalists shouted inquiries about the Ukraine war, ceasefire prospects, civilian casualties, and Trump’s trust.
- Despite the press barrage, Putin appeared perplexed and did not respond.
Ambiguous Press Response
Putin was seen mouthing an unclear phrase toward the crowd, but what he said remains unknown according to CNN.
Meeting could take 6-7 hours
Intense Meeting: A Three-on-Three Conversation
Participants
- Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
- Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy
- Donald Trump, President of the United States
- Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
- Yuri Ushakov, Russian Foreign Adviser
- Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
What began as a one-on-one exchange has expanded into a three-on-three dialogue. The meeting could last as long as six or seven hours, according to the Kremlin’s announcement. Reporters accompanied Trump from Washington, seated in an outdoor tent along with other media representatives who had been present days prior. The world will learn the outcomes of these talks when the joint press conference is held in a nearby ballroom.
Zelensky comments from the sidelines
Ukraine’s President Urges Russia to Halt Hostilities
President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Moscow to bring an end to the war it has been driving for years. “The killings must stop,” he wrote on X, insisting that the most crucial meeting between the leaders is necessary – yet he emphasizes Kyiv must be part of the talks to secure effective decisions.
Welcomes to Anchorage Meeting
- The president was not invited to participate in today’s Anchorage session.
- He stressed that security guarantees are essential.
- “A lasting peace is needed,” he added, thanking those helping to achieve real results.
Statement on X About Ongoing Violence
Later, Zelensky posted that “on the day of negotiations, Russians are also killing,” underscoring the gravity of the situation. He noted that discussions with the U.S. and Europeans have identified what can truly work. “Everyone needs a just end to the war,” he declared.
- Ukraine is prepared to work productively to bring the conflict to a close.
- He urged America to maintain a strong position.
Additional Updates
UPDATES WILL FOLLOW, WITH MORE INFORMATION TO COME.
