Anchorage, Alaska – August 15, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their high-stakes summit in Anchorage today, reporting "great progress" despite failing to secure an immediate ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, was framed as a step toward a long-term peace deal.

✈️ Key Moments and Atmosphere

* Warm welcome: Trump clapped for Putin on arrival, followed by a handshake and a dramatic flyover of a B-2 bomber and F-35 jets.

* The Beast ride: In an unusual move, Putin joined Trump in the U.S. presidential limousine without visible translators, sparking speculation.

* Meeting format: Talks expanded from a planned one-on-one to a "three-on-three," with top diplomats from both sides joining.

* Lunch canceled: A scheduled bilateral lunch was dropped as discussions ran long.

* Lavrov’s sweatshirt: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in a sweatshirt emblazoned with “CCCP”, seen as a provocative nod to Soviet nostalgia.

* Protests outside: Demonstrations unfolded in Anchorage and other Alaskan cities, with protesters waving Ukrainian flags and calling for peace with Kyiv’s involvement.

🎯 Leaders’ Goals and Outcomes

* Trump’s aims:

* Pushed for a rapid ceasefire and warned of "severe consequences" if Russia showed no willingness for peace.

* Floated the idea of a follow-up summit with Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, possibly in Alaska.

* Putin’s aims:

* Used the summit to break out of diplomatic isolation and boost Russia’s global standing.

* Emphasized broader issues: economic cooperation and nuclear arms control.

* Insisted that the "primary causes" of the conflict must be addressed for a lasting settlement.

* The outcome:

* Talks were called "constructive" and "respectful," but no concrete results were announced.

* Trump: “There’s no deal until there’s a deal”.

* Putin: Claimed an "understanding" and warned Kyiv and Europe not to undermine progress.

* Putin endorsed Trump’s claim that the war would not have happened if Trump were president in 2022, and teased, “Next time in Moscow.”

🌍 Reactions and Future Outlook

* Analysts split:

* Ian Bremmer (Eurasia Group): Putin "clearly won" by conceding nothing while gaining time.

* Others: Europe may breathe a sigh of relief that Trump avoided major concessions without Ukraine’s involvement.

* Ukraine excluded:

* President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited, stressing again that no peace deal is legitimate without Ukraine’s participation.

* Ukrainian diaspora groups in Canada echoed that any decisions must be made by Ukrainians themselves.

* Next steps:

* Trump promised to brief Zelenskyy and NATO leaders.

* A trilateral Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy summit remains possible—but skepticism lingers among Democrats and Kyiv officials about whether progress is real without Russia making concessions.

👉 Bottom Line: The Alaska summit generated headlines and symbolism, but no ceasefire. Both sides claim progress, but the road to peace remains uncertain—and Ukraine’s absence from the table leaves many questioning the credibility of the process.

Sources: Global News, AXIOS, France24, Adnkronos, Il Foglio, Fox News, CBN, Fortune, New York Times, Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, MSNBC, CNBC, Financial Times, Daily Express - World News, Daily Mail - World News, Haaretz, NPR, Affari Italiani, ANSA, Blitzquotidiano, Il Fatto Quotidiano, Il Sole 24 Ore, Il Post, Huffington Post, l'Unità, Open.