U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a “very profound” and “extremely productive” meeting. “Many points were agreed to,” Trump mentioned during a joint press conference following their gathering in Alaska on Friday. He indicated that he would discuss the outcomes with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In his comments, Putin noted that Trump seeks to get to the “crux of the matter” regarding the conflict in Ukraine. He expressed hope that the “agreements” would serve as a “starting point” for a “solution of the Ukrainian issue.” Additionally, Putin invited Trump to Moscow for their next conversation. “I expect that today’s agreements will be the starting point not only for the solution of the Ukrainian issue but also will help us bring back business-like and pragmatic relations between Russia and the U.S.,” Putin stated.
In a Fox News interview recorded in Alaska after his meeting with Putin, Trump declared, “It’s up to Zelenskyy” now to finalize a deal. “Now it’s really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done,” he emphasized. Trump mentioned that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyt want him to be present at a future potential meeting between the two leaders to discuss a path to peace. He acknowledged that he and Putin agreed on most points, but noted that there remain one or two issues where they disagree.
Positive remarks from the Kremlin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked: “The conversation is really very positive. This is the very conversation that allows us to confidently continue moving forward together on the path of seeking resolution options.” The United Nations took note of the outcomes from the Russian-U.S. summit and welcomed the ongoing constructive dialogue, according to UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The UN chief reiterated his call for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward peace in Ukraine.
On August 15, 2025, global attention shifted to Anchorage, Alaska, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened for their most eagerly awaited diplomatic engagement in years. The summit, hosted at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, aimed to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations.
Setting the stage
Air Force bases are rarely the venues for international diplomacy, yet the joint Alaskan installation provided enhanced security and a stage rich in symbolism. A red carpet unfurled across the tarmac, flanked by fighter jets, creating a dramatic backdrop for what President Trump labeled a “feel-out meeting.” The two leaders emerged from their respective planes almost simultaneously, exchanging warm handshakes—Trump even applauding Putin’s arrival, a moment captured by photographers and broadcast worldwide.
This cordial greeting established a tone of initial optimism, spectacle, and high expectations, with press banners proclaiming “Pursuing Peace” and the global media documenting every interaction.
Behind closed doors
Following a brief ride in the presidential limousine, the leaders retreated indoors. The summit’s agenda shifted unexpectedly from an anticipated one-on-one meeting to a more formal three-on-three format, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff accompanying Trump, while senior Kremlin officials joined Putin. Media were granted a brief photo opportunity before the closed-door discussions commenced, lasting around two and a half hours.
During these discussions, Trump advocated for a ceasefire in Ukraine—the stated U.S. priority—but remained uncertain about the prospects for an immediate breakthrough. Putin reiterated Russia’s longstanding position: any settlement must address “the primary causes” of the conflict and take into account Russia’s “legitimate concerns.”
Despite the challenging subject matter, both leaders characterized the talks as “productive” and “respectful,” although they failed to announce a concrete agreement.
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Press conference without closure
Upon their emergence for the scheduled press conference, expectations for a significant announcement ran high. Instead, what followed was a brief, scripted address in which both Trump and Putin spoke of progress and “common ground” but offered few specifics. Neither leader took questions from the press, and notably, the term “ceasefire” never formally appeared in their remarks.
President Trump suggested that more progress had been made than was publicly visible, yet he acknowledged that “significant sticking points” persisted—chief among them, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin, for his part, implied that the summit would “build momentum” for future discussions, even proposing a follow-up in Moscow—a suggestion Trump acknowledged with a wry smile and a quip about potential political repercussions.
What wasn’t said
The summit’s conclusion was steeped in ambiguity, with both leaders departing Alaska without a definitive agreement. Throughout the discussions, Trump indicated a willingness for further negotiations and even floated the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though this was not confirmed. Meanwhile, Russia’s position on territorial control in Ukraine and skepticism from European observers left many questions unanswered.
Critics within the diplomatic community noted that the absence of an accord or even a temporary ceasefire left both leaders vulnerable to scrutiny at home and abroad. Nonetheless, the leaders’ mutual emphasis on continuing dialogue implied that this was merely the first round in a renewed phase of U.S.-Russia engagement.
