Anchorage, Alaska: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a highly anticipated Alaska Summit, which lasted more than two and a half hours, focusing on the war in Ukraine. Despite both leaders describing the talks as positive and constructive, no breakthrough was achieved.
At a short media conference following the Alaska Summit, where no questions were taken, President Trump called the discussions ‘very productive,’ noting that there were “many points that we agreed on… I would say a couple of big ones.” However, the US President admitted some issues remained unresolved, with one described as the most significant. “We haven’t quite got there,” Trump added, stressing that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
Putin characterised the negotiations as ‘thorough and constructive’ and reaffirmed Russia’s interest in bringing the conflict to an end. Russian President also warned European leaders not to ‘torpedo nascent progress.’
President Trump Participates in a Press Conference with the President of the Russian Federation https://t.co/D07iIhS8lh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 15, 2025
The Alaska summit took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, beginning with a red-carpet welcome as Trump stepped off Air Force One to greet his Russian counterpart. Both leaders smiled and shook hands before sharing a ride in the presidential limousine, ‘The Beast,’ a gesture usually reserved for close US allies. The warm ceremonial reception contrasted with the grim reality of the war.
During the pre-talks photo session, both leaders ignored shouted questions from reporters. When asked if he would stop killing civilians, Putin frowned, gestured as though he couldn’t hear, and urged journalists to leave the room.
President Trump said that he planned to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, about the discussions. Trump suggested he would likely see Putin again soon, possibly in Moscow, though he acknowledged such a move might draw criticism.
This Alaska summit came seven months into Trump’s presidency, during which he had promised an end to the war. However, despite earlier moves such as berating Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in February and reducing US military assistance to Kyiv, the conflict remains ongoing.
Trump described the atmosphere with Putin as ‘warm’ and rated the meeting ‘10/10,’ but refused to reveal specifics. The US President suggested that while Zelenskyy would bear much of the responsibility for future negotiations, European countries would also need to be involved.
The reality on the ground remains dire. On July 9, Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the war began, firing over 740 missiles and drones on Ukrainian targets. Zelenskyy has also warned that Moscow is preparing for fresh offensives.
European ambassadors are set to convene at 8:30 am UK time for a briefing on the Alaska talks, with a virtual meeting of European leaders and Trump expected later in the day.
Despite the ceremonial welcome, expressions of progress, and cordial tone between the two leaders, the Alaska summit ended without concrete steps toward a ceasefire in what remains the deadliest conflict in Europe in eight decades.
ALSO READ | UK warns travellers of rising Chikungunya and Oropouche cases
