A broadcast of President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Ioulex/The New York Times)
UPDATE: The highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska has concluded after three hours, leaving many questions unanswered about the future of US-Russian relations. The meeting, which took place on Friday, was shrouded in speculation and uncertainty, and the outcomes remain unclear.
During a press briefing, Putin appeared pleased, reading from prepared notes that suggested he was ready for the meeting’s topics well in advance. He praised Trump, even claiming that had Trump been president during the onset of the Ukraine conflict, “there would have been no Ukraine war.” This assertion raises eyebrows amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Trump, who had previously hinted at a tougher stance on Russia, seemed to revert to his long-standing admiration for Putin. He dismissed allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections as the “Russia, Russia, Russia hoax,” and expressed gratitude for what he termed an “extremely productive meeting.”
On the contentious issue of Ukraine, Trump claimed that “many points were agreed to” but provided no specifics. He noted that he would be contacting key NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for further discussions, though it remains uncertain what those discussions will yield.
Putin’s comments indicated that he believes a resolution to the conflict requires addressing what he sees as Ukraine’s root causes. His assertions suggest that he may have gained more time for his military actions in Ukraine, which continue to unfold in his favor.
Trump’s response to Putin’s suggestion of a future summit in Moscow was tepid, as he acknowledged the potential backlash but appeared intrigued. “Ooh, that’s an interesting one,” he remarked. However, Trump’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine crisis seems to be wavering, as he noted, “Ultimately it’s up to them,” casting doubt on whether he will actively pursue a solution.
As the dust settles on this meeting, questions linger about what concrete progress, if any, was made. Observers are left to wonder whether this summit will lead to any significant changes in the ongoing conflict or simply allow Putin to continue his current strategy without consequence.
The implications of this meeting are critical for Ukraine and the broader international community, as the war continues to escalate. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
