Trump and Putin met for three hours at a U.S. Air Force base in Alaska, holding a joint press conference but taking no questions. The tone was cordial, with both leaders signaling interest in ending the war in Ukraine.

Putin emphasized addressing the “root causes” of the conflict, ensuring security for all parties (including Ukraine), and avoiding sabotage by Kyiv or European capitals. He suggested an agreement had been reached with Trump, though details were not shared, and warned that without a diplomatic solution, Russia would keep fighting.

Both leaders framed the talks as a step toward broader U.S.–Russia cooperation beyond the war, with Putin highlighting economic, technological, Arctic, and space collaboration. Trump positioned himself as the only Western leader actively seeking to end the war, in contrast to previous U.S. policy.

Commentary noted skepticism in the West about trusting Putin but argued that dialogue is preferable to prolonged conflict, as continued fighting would worsen Ukraine’s losses and eventual negotiating terms.

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