The Trump-Putin Alaska summit showcased extraordinary optics as Donald Trump warmly welcomed Vladimir Putin with military honors in Anchorage. Trump welcomed Putin on a red carpet flanked by saluting US troops while aircraft thundered overhead in a symbolic military display.
The Russian leader appeared unfazed, treating the event as his return to global diplomacy despite facing a war crimes indictment from The Hague. In press remarks Trump called Putin his friend signaling a political shift that surprised US allies and encouraged Kremlin confidence significantly.
The White House dropped its earlier insistence on an immediate ceasefire, instead pursuing a broader settlement aligning closely with Russian demands. Trump’s shift alarmed Ukraine, whose leaders have repeatedly argued for halting violence.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington with European leaders to demand credible security guarantees and forcefully resist Moscow’s territorial ambitions. Trump fueled controversy by declaring Ukraine would never join NATO and Crimea would remain Russian, solidifying his overtures toward Putin’s preferences.
European leaders, including Macron, Meloni, Merz, and Starmer, planned to confront Trump, highlighting unity and resistance against conceding Ukrainian sovereignty prematurely. Trump insisted Zelenskyy could end the war immediately, sparking fears Ukraine might face pressure to accept unfavorable terms, undermining territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns about Trump bullying Zelenskyy, branding such claims exaggerated media narratives designed to mislead. Behind closed doors, however, NATO officials expressed unease that Trump’s pursuit of a quick peace could fracture transatlantic unity and embolden Moscow.
