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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage for a high-stakes summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, but the talks concluded without the ceasefire the U.S. president had sought.
The nearly three-hour meeting, attended by a pair of top aides from each side, was preceded by an elaborate welcome that included a red carpet, a limousine ride together, and a military flyover featuring F-35 jets and a B-2 stealth bomber. Former U.S. ambassador to Russia John Sullivan described the arrival as “extraordinary stagecraft,” noting it was a level of respect “worthy of an ally” rather than an adversary.
Both leaders addressed reporters after the meeting, though neither offered details on a ceasefire. Putin spoke first, saying the talks were held in a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect” and hinting that agreements reached could serve as a “starting point” for resolving the conflict in Ukraine and normalizing U.S.-Russia relations. Trump called the summit “extremely productive,” claiming they agreed on “most points” but acknowledging that key issues remain unresolved.
“I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European nations would need to take the next steps. “Now it’s really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done.”
Trump also indicated that severe consequences for Russia, which he had threatened earlier this week, were not immediately necessary. “Because of what happened today, I think we don’t have to think about that,” he said.
The summit ended early, and a planned broader meeting and luncheon with additional U.S. and Russian officials did not take place. Putin invited Trump to continue discussions in Moscow, a proposal the U.S. president called “interesting” but noncommittal.
Critics were quick to downplay the results. Sullivan described the outcome as a “nothingburger,” saying the leaders provided no concrete indication that Putin is serious about peace in Ukraine.
Outside the base, pro-Ukraine demonstrators waved flags and held signs urging support for Ukraine and warning against compromise. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking on a podcast Friday, said she would nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize if he could end the war without ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia. Trump responded that the remarks were “very nice” and joked he might have to “start liking her again.”
With information from CBSnews.com.
