Historic Handshake In Alaska As Trump Meets Putin On Ending War

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

ANCHORAGE, USA (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump shook hands with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at the U.S. Joint Base Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss a path to peace for Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II, raging in Ukraine. Their summit comes after another night of Russian air strikes in Ukraine and Kyiv responding with drone attacks in Russia.

They walked the red carpet after Kyiv said Russia pounded Ukraine overnight with two ballistic missiles and nearly a hundred drones at more than a dozen locations, while Moscow claims it downed 53 Ukrainian drones.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier touched down in Alaska for the high-stakes talks with the United States — telling Russian TV his delegation comes with a “clear and understandable position.”

Lavrov was filmed stepping out in Anchorage wearing a sweater with the Soviet-era letters “СССР” — a nod to the former USSR, which included both Russia and Ukraine. He said most preparations for the summit were made during U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow last week.

Russian state media reported President Vladimir Putin made a stop in eastern Russia before flying to Alaska, rejecting calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Moscow is still demanding complete control of four annexed regions, a withdrawal of Kyiv’s forces, no NATO membership for Ukraine, and the lifting of Western sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders have voiced concern over Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks, warning that this may legitimize Russian territorial control unless Ukraine is directly involved.

For President Putin, the summit serves as “a validation” of Russian diplomatic resurgence and a signal that sustained Western attempts to isolate Moscow may be losing traction, critics said.

SYMBOLISM RECALLS COLD WAR ERA

The meeting was heavy with symbolism not seen since the Cold War was declared over.

They exchanged cordial greetings on a red carpet beneath a striking “ALASKA 2025” backdrop, flanked by U.S. F-22 stealth fighters and B-2 stealth bombers flying overhead — seen as a powerful symbol of American military capability meant to honor and underscore the seriousness of the proceedings.

Originally planned as a private one-on-one meeting, the format was revised to include key aides: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joined President Trump. At the same time, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and adviser Yury Ushakov accompanied President Putin.

In a notable show of informal diplomacy, the two presidents were seen riding together in Trump’s armored limousine, colloquially known as “The Beast,” signaling a rare gesture of ceremonial closeness.

Ahead of the talks, President Trump emphasized his ambition for a “rapid ceasefire,” warning he would “walk away” and leave without a press conference with his counterpart should the talks not yield meaningful progress.

He clarified his role is not to negotiate for Ukraine directly but to bring all parties to the table, including potentially staging future three-way talks if today’s discussions bear fruit.

WHAT’S NEXT DURING SUMMIT

Diplomats said the talks were expected to last “several hours,” with a possible joint statement later in the day — though U.S. officials caution that no breakthrough should be assumed. Trump hinted at hosting follow-up negotiations in a neutral European location, while Kremlin insiders suggested Moscow may push for further bilateral meetings before Ukraine is brought into any peace framework.

Hungary, which has close ties with Washington and Moscow, has also been mentioned as a possibility. However, according to a Worthy News analysis, it remains doubtful that the country would be acceptable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Global markets, European allies, and Kyiv were watching closely for signs of progress or deadlock, as the outcome could shape the next phase of the war and redefine U.S.-Russia relations for years to come.

U.S. President Trump, who seeks the Nobel Peace Prize, has a track record of brokering peace deals despite being accused of isolationism and excessive patriotism. Under Trump’s pressure, Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire at the end of last month after days of fighting.

Trump helped Rwanda and Congo achieve a peace agreement in June, and nuclear powers India and Pakistan reach a full ceasefire in May. He is mediating between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile water and, in June, prevented an escalation between Serbia and Kosovo. He also succeeded in persuading Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire, and his first administration was the architect of the Abraham Accords, the cooperation framework between Israel and a growing number of Arab countries.

This week, Armenia and Azerbaijan ended nearly forty years of war at the White House. Ending the war in Ukraine would be another milestone still missing in his declared road to the Peace Prize, for which he has already been nominated by presidents, Republicans, and even Democrats.

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