US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for nearly three hours at a US air force base in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, but failed to reach a deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump claimed 'great progress' but offered no specifics and abruptly ended a joint press conference without taking questions.
Putin praised Trump's efforts as 'precious' and suggested an 'understanding' had been reached, urging Europe not to 'throw a wrench in the works'. He reiterated demands for Ukraine to renounce Nato membership and address 'root causes', which have previously included 'denazification'—a term implying the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump indicated that it was now up to Zelenskyy to 'get it done' and that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin might be arranged, possibly with Trump in attendance. He told Fox News: 'Now it's really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done.'
The summit drew sharp criticism from Democrats. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of 'rolling out the red carpet' for an 'authoritarian thug', while Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said Trump 'embarrassed the United States by folding like a cheap suit'.
Body language between the two leaders was notably warm, with Trump clapping as Putin arrived and the pair sharing a handshake and lighthearted banter. This contrasted sharply with Trump's earlier confrontational meeting with Zelenskyy in February.
