Edith Hejberg
Cameras captured their handshake before the leaders jumped into “the Beast,” Trump’s heavily armoured limousine, en route to the summit venue.
Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin as the Russian President touched down at the Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Base in Alaska.
Applauding him on the tarmac, Trump offered a rare display of warmth as the two reunited for the first time since 2019.
Three Hours Behind Closed Doors
The two presidents spent over three hours in private talks inside the military facility. While expectations were high, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine, the meeting produced more symbolic gestures than substantive breakthroughs.
Still, both sides framed it as a “step forward” in restoring dialogue between Washington and Moscow.
Brief Words, Big Impressions
When Trump and Putin finally faced the press, the moment lasted just 12 minutes.
Even more surprising was who took the lead: Putin. Breaking from diplomatic protocol, the Russian President spoke first, while Trump kept his own remarks unusually short. Neither leader answered questions, leaving journalists grasping for clarity.
Unanswered Questions Fuel Speculation
The press corps, who had travelled thousands of miles, were visibly frustrated by the abrupt end to the press conference.
One reporter described the scene as “shouting into the abyss.” With no details disclosed, the lack of transparency only deepened the mystery surrounding what, if anything, was agreed upon.
Putin Walks Away the Victor?
Observers noted that Putin seemed to emerge from the summit with the upper hand. He made no visible concessions and faced no new sanctions.
Trump, meanwhile, appeared to avoid confrontation, even as expectations mounted for him to press the Russian leader on Ukraine and cyberattacks.
A Whispered Promise Raises Eyebrows
Though much of the summit remained under wraps, one moment caught attention: a hushed comment Trump reportedly made to Putin during their talks.
While its content remains unknown, body language experts and lip readers have since speculated about its intent, fueling further media frenzy.
Behind the Scenes: What Shocked Journalists
Connor Stringer, deputy US editor for The Daily Telegraph, highlighted three things that struck him during the briefing: Putin speaking first, Trump’s short comments, and the lack of any journalist Q&A.
These breaks from tradition, he noted, left many reporters stunned and unsure of how to interpret the meeting’s outcome.
Territorial Concessions on the Table?
After the summit, a New York Times report claimed Trump had quietly shared with European leaders his belief that peace in Ukraine could be achieved by conceding the remainder of Donbas to Russia, including areas not yet held by Russian forces. The idea has sparked serious debate in diplomatic circles.
Progress Without a Deal
Despite headlines suggesting “progress,” no formal agreement was reached.
Talks reportedly touched on sanctions, Ukraine, and future military cooperation, but the leaders failed to secure a framework for peace. Still, both sides called the meeting productive, hinting at further negotiations.
A Summit That Raised More Questions Than Answers
The Alaska summit was billed as a historic chance for dialogue, but it may be remembered more for its symbolism than substance.
Trump and Putin’s choreography suggested rapport, yet the lack of clarity has left allies, analysts, and critics alike searching for answers.
