B-2, fighter jets fly over as Trump-Putin summit begins
navytimes.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 5:59:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations, Media Coverage & Press Relations
President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin kicked off their Alaska summit with a warm handshake on Friday, greeting each other like old friends before heading into hours of discussions that could reshape the war in Ukraine and relations between Moscow and Washington.
After descending from Air Force One, Trump applauded as Putin approached along a red carpet. They gripped hands for an extended period of time, with both men smiling, and Putin eventually grinned and pointed skyward, where B-2s and F-22s -- military aircraft designed to oppose Russia during the Cold War -- flew overhead to mark the moment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Reporters nearby yelled, "President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?" and Russia's leader put his hand up to his ear but didn't answer. Trump and Putin then both climbed in the U.S. presidential limo, with Putin grinning widely as the vehicle rolled past the cameras.
The pair's chumminess, while not altogether surprising considering their longtime friendly relationship, was striking given the bloodshed and suffering in the war Putin started in Ukraine -- the biggest land war in Europe since World War II. It was likely to raise concerns from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, who fear that Trump will primarily focus on furthering U.S. interests and fail to press hard for Ukraine's.
Zelenskyy and European leaders were excluded from Friday's meeting, and Ukraine's president was left posting a video address in which he expressed his hope for a "strong position from the U.S."
"Everyone wants an honest end to the war. Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to end the war," he said, later adding, "The war continues and it continues precisely because there is no order, nor any signals from Moscow, that it is preparing to end this war."
The summit was a chance for Trump to prove he's a master dealmaker and peacemaker. He and his allies have cast him as a heavyweight negotiator who can find a way to bring the slaughter to a close -- something he used to boast he could do quickly.
For Putin, it was an opportunity to try to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia's gains, block Kyiv's bid to join the NATO military alliance and eventually pull Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit.
Not meeting one-on-one anymore
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin was now a three-on-three discussion including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.
The change indicates that the White House is taking a more guarded approach than it did during a 2018 meeting in Helsinki, when Trump and Putin met privately just with their interpreters for two hours and where Trump shocked the world by siding with the Russian leader over U.S. intelligence officials on whether Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign.
Trump and Putin began their discussions Friday by sitting with their aides in front of a blue backdrop printed with "Alaska" and "Pursuing Peace." Putin and Trump are expected to hold a joint press conference at the end of the summit.
There are significant risks for Trump. By bringing Putin onto U.S. soil -- America bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 for roughly 2 cents per acre -- the president is giving him the validation he desires after his ostracization following his invasion of Ukraine 3 1/2 years ago. Zelenskyy's exclusion is a heavy blow to the West's policy of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" and invites the possibility that Trump could agree to a deal that Ukraine does not want.
Any success is far from assured since Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their demands for peace. Putin has long resisted any temporary ceasefire, linking it to a halt in Western arms supplies and a freeze on Ukraine's mobilization efforts, which are conditions rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.
Trump said earlier in the week there was a 25% chance that the summit would fail, but he also floated the idea that if the meeting succeeds he could bring Zelenskyy to Alaska for a subsequent meeting with himself and Putin.
Trump has also expressed doubts about getting an immediate ceasefire, but he has wanted a broad peace deal done quickly. That seemingly echoes Putin's longtime argument that Russia favors a comprehensive deal to end the fighting, reflecting its demands, and not a temporary halt to hostilities.
Trump has offered shifting explanations for his meeting goals
Trump previously characterized the sit-down as ""really a feel-out meeting." But he's also warned of "very severe consequences" for Russia if Putin doesn't agree to end the war.
Trump said before arriving in Alaska that his talks with Putin will include Russian demands that Ukraine cede territory as part of a peace deal. He said Ukraine has to decide, but he also suggested Zelenskyy should accept concessions.
"I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. And I think they'll make a proper decision," Trump told reporters traveling with him to Alaska.
Trump said there's "a possibility" of the United States offering Ukraine security guarantees alongside European powers, "but not in the form of NATO." Putin has fiercely resisted Ukraine joining the trans-Atlantic security alliance, a long-term goal for Ukrainians seeking to forge stronger ties with the West.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, is in Alaska to provide "military advice" to Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a senior NATO military official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. His presence is likely to be welcomed by European leaders who have tried to convince Trump to be firm with Putin and not deal over Kyiv's head.
Potentially far-reaching implications
Foreign governments are watching closely to see how Trump reacts to Putin, likely gauging what the interaction might mean for their own dealings with the U.S. president, who has eschewed traditional diplomacy for his own transactional approach to relationships.
The meeting comes as the war has caused heavy losses on both sides and drained resources. Ukraine has held on far longer than some initially expected since the February 2022 invasion, but it is straining to hold off Russia's much larger army, grappling with bombardments of its cities and fighting for every inch on the over 600-mile front line.
Alaska is separated from Russia at its closest point by just 3 miles and the international date line.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was crucial to countering the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It continues to play a role today, as planes from the base still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska marks a significant moment in the ongoing geopolitical struggle surrounding the war in Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations. The imagery of Trump and Putin, both smiling and shaking hands, contrasts sharply with the grim realities of the war that has devastated Ukraine since 2022. This juxtaposition raises critical questions about the nature of leadership, diplomacy, and the responsibilities of powerful nations in the face of international aggression. As conversations unfold around this summit, we must reflect on the historical context and the persistent social struggles that underpin these high-stakes discussions.
Historically, the United States and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) have maintained a complex and often adversarial relationship since the end of World War II. The Cold War was marked by an arms race and ideological competition, deeply rooted in differing political and economic systems. The current conflict in Ukraine can be traced to these historical tensions, with Putin's actions being viewed as an attempt to reassert Russia's influence in former Soviet territories. Understanding this backdrop is essential, as it highlights the historical continuity of conflict and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a region fraught with competing national interests.
The summit's timing is particularly troubling as it comes amidst ongoing humanitarian crises in Ukraine, where civilians continue to suffer from the effects of war. The fact that reporters directly questioned Putin about the killing of civilians underscores the moral imperative that should guide international diplomacy—one that demands accountability for those who perpetrate violence against innocents. The lack of a substantive response from Putin illustrates a disturbing disregard for human rights and the suffering experienced by millions. For many, this summit represents not a path to peace, but rather a potential legitimization of aggression and a failure to prioritize the needs of affected populations.
Moreover, the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders from the summit raises significant concerns about the legitimacy of the discussions taking place. By sidelining those most directly impacted by the war, the United States risks undermining the principles of democratic representation and collective security that underlie NATO and similar alliances. Zelenskyy's plea for a strong stance from the U.S. reflects a broader call for solidarity among nations facing aggression. It emphasizes the necessity for a unified response to breaches of international law and the importance of empowering those who are fighting for their sovereignty and rights.
In framing Trump as a potential "master dealmaker," the media often glosses over the complexities of negotiations that involve real human lives. The notion that a single leader can broker peace amidst deeply entrenched conflict is a simplification that undermines the multifaceted nature of diplomacy. History reveals that meaningful resolutions to conflicts often arise from inclusive dialogues that consider the perspectives and experiences of all parties involved. As we consider the implications of the Trump-Putin summit, it is crucial to advocate for a foreign policy grounded in justice, equity, and a commitment to protecting human rights—principles that should transcend partisan politics and guide our engagement with the world.
As the summit concludes and the world watches for outcomes, we must remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable. Public discourse centered around these events should not only critique the actions of Trump and Putin but also advocate for a more just and ethical approach to international relations. By learning from history and championing the rights of marginalized populations, we can create a framework for peace that prioritizes humanity over political expediency. In doing so, we honor the struggles of those affected by war and work toward a future where diplomacy serves as a genuine tool for justice rather than a mere facade for power plays.
The recent summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska has raised significant concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. The imagery of the two leaders sharing a warm handshake and smiles, juxtaposed against the backdrop of military aircraft designed during the Cold War, should evoke a sense of urgency and scrutiny among Americans. This meeting is emblematic of the broader historical and political complexities that define U.S.-Russia relations, suggesting a potential shift away from a focus on humanitarian concerns towards an agenda that prioritizes geopolitical maneuvering.
Historically, the relationship between the United States and Russia has been fraught with tension, particularly in the post-Cold War era. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in Ukraine represent a critical juncture in this relationship, exposing the fragility of international norms and the willingness of states to challenge them for territorial gains. Trump's perceived camaraderie with Putin stands in stark contrast to the aspirations of many Ukrainians who have suffered immensely due to the ongoing war. The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the discussions underscores a troubling trend: the sidelining of those most affected by the conflict in favor of high-stakes negotiations between powerful states. This exclusion not only diminishes Ukraine's agency but also raises ethical questions about who gets to shape the narrative of peace and war.
As citizens of a democratic society, we must engage critically with the implications of such summits. One actionable step is to advocate for greater transparency in U.S. foreign policy and demand that the voices of those impacted by international conflicts are prioritized in discussions that directly affect their futures. This could involve lobbying for congressional hearings that include testimony from Ukrainian officials and civil society leaders, ensuring that their perspectives inform U.S. decision-making. Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in highlighting the consequences of foreign policy decisions. By amplifying the voices of Ukrainians and promoting conversations around the humanitarian impacts of war, we can help shift the narrative from one dominated by geopolitical interests to one rooted in human rights and dignity.
Moreover, we should consider the broader implications of Trump's approach to foreign relations, particularly his tendency to portray himself as a "deal maker." This rhetoric often detracts from the complexities of international diplomacy, reducing multifaceted issues to binary negotiations. It is vital for Americans to recognize that peace cannot be brokered solely through backdoor deals or personal rapport; it requires a commitment to upholding international law, supporting democratic movements, and addressing the root causes of conflict. Engaging in community discussions about the principles of diplomacy, international relations, and global citizenship can help foster a more informed electorate that holds leaders accountable for their actions on the world stage.
Finally, we must encourage a grassroots movement that prioritizes solidarity with those affected by war, such as the citizens of Ukraine. Supporting humanitarian efforts, advocating for refugee rights, and promoting policies that address the needs of those displaced by conflict are crucial actions that individuals and communities can take. Additionally, we can pressure local and national organizations to engage in international solidarity work, creating partnerships that uplift voices from conflict zones and foster understanding across borders. By taking these steps, we not only challenge the dominant narratives that often accompany high-profile summits but also contribute to a more compassionate and informed society that values human dignity above all.
In conclusion, the Trump-Putin summit serves as a reminder of the complexities of international relations and the importance of prioritizing human rights in discussions of peace and diplomacy. By advocating for transparency, emphasizing the voices of those directly impacted by conflict, and fostering community engagement, we as Americans can work towards a more just and equitable foreign policy that reflects our values as a nation. Engaging in these efforts not only empowers us to hold our leaders accountable but also reinforces a commitment to a world in which peace is achieved through understanding and solidarity rather than mere political expediency.
In light of the recent summit between President Trump and President Putin, there are several actions individuals can take to express their concerns and advocate for a more just and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Here’s a detailed list of ideas for personal action:
### 1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - **Action:** Stay informed about the conflict in Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations. Share credible information with friends and family. - **Example:** Read articles from reputable news sources, watch documentaries, and attend local discussions or webinars on international relations.
### 2. **Advocate for Peaceful Resolutions** - **Action:** Write to your local representatives to urge them to support policies that promote peace and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. - **Who to Write To:** - **Your U.S. Senator(s)**: Find their contact information at [senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact). - **Your U.S. Representative**: Find them at [house.gov](https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative). - **What to Say:** - Express your concern about the ongoing violence in Ukraine. - Urge them to prioritize diplomatic solutions and humanitarian assistance. - Example message: "I am deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis it has created. I urge you to support initiatives aimed at peace negotiations and to provide aid to those affected by the war."
### 3. **Support Humanitarian Organizations** - **Action:** Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide aid to Ukraine and support peace efforts. - **Examples of Organizations:** - **International Rescue Committee (IRC)** – [rescue.org](https://www.rescue.org) - **Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)** – [doctorswithoutborders.org](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org) - **Action:** Fundraising events and community drives can be organized to raise awareness and funds for these organizations.
### 4. **Join or Support Local Advocacy Groups** - **Action:** Get involved with local activist groups that focus on international peace and justice. - **Examples of Groups:** - **Peace Action** – [peaceaction.org](https://peaceaction.org) - **Code Pink** – [codepink.org](https://www.codepink.org) - **What to Do:** Attend meetings, participate in campaigns, and help organize events to raise awareness.
### 5. **Petitions and Online Campaigns** - **Action:** Sign and promote petitions that call for an end to the conflict and support for Ukraine. - **Example Petition:** - **Change.org Petition for Peace in Ukraine** – Search for active petitions related to Ukraine on [change.org](https://www.change.org). - **What to Say:** Share why you believe in the cause, how the war affects civilians, and the importance of international cooperation for peace.
### 6. **Raise Awareness Through Social Media** - **Action:** Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine and the implications of U.S.-Russia relations. - **What to Post:** Share articles, infographics, and your own thoughts on the importance of supporting Ukraine and advocating for peace.
### 7. **Contact the White House** - **Action:** Write to the President to express concerns about the direction of U.S. foreign policy regarding the Ukraine conflict. - **Contact Information:** - **The White House** 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500 - **What to Say:** - "Dear President, I urge you to take a strong stance in favor of peace and the protection of civilians in Ukraine. It is critical that the U.S. leads efforts for a diplomatic resolution to this crisis."
### 8. **Attend Peaceful Demonstrations** - **Action:** Participate in or organize demonstrations that call for peace and humanitarian support for Ukraine. - **Where to Find Events:** Check local event boards, social media groups, or websites like [Meetup.com](https://www.meetup.com) for upcoming events.
### Conclusion Engaging in these actions can help amplify the call for peace and humanitarian support in Ukraine. By actively participating in advocacy and raising awareness, individuals can contribute to a collective effort aimed at ending the violence and supporting those affected by the war.