Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska: Key moments as high-stakes talks on Ukraine are over

As the leaders stood on the tarmac, American fighter jets and what appeared to be a B-2 stealth bomber roared overhead, a pointed reminder of US air power as the summit got underway.

Putin’s first visit to Alaska

This marks Putin’s first trip to the US state, and the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the White House. The talks are expected to cover Ukraine, economic matters, and global strategic security.

From one-on-one to three-on-three

A planned one-on-one was changed last-minute to a three-on-three format, with advisers joining both sides. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov.

Moreover, in an unusual move, Putin joined Trump in the US president’s armored limousine, nicknamed “The Beast,” for the ride from the tarmac to the meeting venue. The two were seen chatting and smiling inside the vehicle.

Talks officially underway

The bilateral meeting began at 11:32 a.m. local time (1:02 a.m. IST). The leaders were seated with their aides in front of a blue backdrop reading “Pursuing Peace.” No opening remarks were given, and reporters were quickly escorted out.

Putin dodges ceasefire questions

As journalists shouted questions before the talks, Putin did not answer whether he would agree to a ceasefire or stop killing civilians in Ukraine. At one point, he gestured as if he couldn’t hear the question and appeared to mouth something unclear toward the press.

Ceasefire hopes and warnings

Trump has said he hopes to reach a ceasefire deal “rapidly” and has warned of “very severe” economic consequences for Russia if Putin refuses. He has also left the door open to arranging a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders if today’s talks go well.

Ukraine’s stance from the sidelines

Zelensky, not invited to the summit, said Ukraine is “counting on America” but sees “no indication” that Russia is preparing to end the war. He pointed to fresh Russian strikes across Ukraine on the day of the talks.