Photos: Donald Trump Gives Vladimir Putin Warm Welcome to Alaska
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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin opened their Alaska summit Friday with a warm handshake, greeting each other like longtime acquaintances before beginning hours of talks that could reshape the war in Ukraine and the broader U.S.-Russia relationship.
After stepping off Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Trump applauded as Putin approached along a red carpet laid out for each leader. The two clasped hands for an extended moment, smiling as cameras clicked. Putin eventually pointed skyward while their hands were still joined.
President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Uniformed service members stood at attention nearby as B-2 bombers and F-22 fighter jets — aircraft designed to counter Russia during the Cold War — roared overhead in a symbolic flyover.
US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty Images
When reporters shouted, "President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?" Putin cupped his hand to his ear but did not respond. Moments later, both leaders climbed into the U.S. presidential limousine, with Putin grinning as it pulled away.
President Donald Trump talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
President Donald Trump talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the meeting format had shifted from a one-on-one to a "three-on-three" session. Trump will be joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Putin will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. The move reflects a more cautious approach than the 2018 Helsinki summit, when the two met privately with only their interpreters for two hours.
US President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose on a podium on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
US President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose on a podium on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty Images
The leaders are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at the conclusion of the summit.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Associated Press
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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