In Anchorage today—a moment both cinematic and strategic unfolded as President Donald Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The first meeting between the two in six years, and Putin’s first visit to the U.S. since 2015, began with dazzling ceremony—but ended with cooler reality.The GuardianThe Times of IndiaWikipedia
Spectacle, Not Substance
From the red-carpet greeting to a coordinated military flyover—B-2 stealth bombers and F-35 fighters overhead, F-22 Raptors lining the tarmac—this was a summit staged for show. The leaders even rode together briefly in “The Beast,” the presidential limo, showcasing a surprisingly warm rapport.The Times of IndiaThe Washington PostAnchorage Daily News
Talks Fell Short of Peace
Behind closed doors, Trump and Putin met for a few hours, but failed to secure any ceasefire or peace agreement. No mention of halting the Ukraine conflict surfaced.
Trump later called the meeting “productive,” yet offered no concrete details. Reporters never got questions answered—the press appearance was brief and tightly scripted.The GuardianAP NewsThe Washington PostThe TimesThe Times of India
Symbolism Over Substance
Analysts warned that while optics favored Putin—offering Russia a rare display of diplomatic legitimacy—the summit may signal deeper shifts in U.S. posture toward Russia and Ukraine. Critics feared this performance softened previously firmer U.S. stances and sidelined Ukraine’s position.The GuardianFinancial Times
What Else Was Said
Putin expressed hope that the talks will pave the way toward peace, calling the meeting long overdue and affirming a constructive tone. Trump emphasized his rapport with Putin and teased future talks—hinting potential talks might include Ukraine or even take place in Moscow next. Meanwhile, Ukraine and European leaders decried their exclusion and voiced concerns about the lack of commitment to sovereignty or territorial integrity.The GuardianFinancial TimesThe Times
In Summary
This Alaska summit between Trump and Putin delivered spectacle—jet flyovers, red carpets, and cordial exchanges—but no peace. The war in Ukraine remains unresolved, and the absence of Ukraine from both dialogue and announcements stirred international criticism. The real outcome? A show more than a settlement.
