Putin stuns world as he greets Trump on Alaska tarmac with bizarre first words

 

The much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, despite hopes that the summit might produce a breakthrough.

The two leaders met for nearly three hours at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, but when they addressed the media afterward, it became clear that little progress had been made. Putin revealed that on the tarmac he greeted Trump by saying, “It’s very nice to see you in good health and alive.” He also described the choice of Alaska as a logical meeting place, since the U.S. and Russia are “close neighbors.”

Trump struck an optimistic but vague tone. He admitted that there were still “a very few” issues preventing a deal, though he didn’t specify what they were. “One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” he said.

The president emphasized his “fantastic relationship” with Putin, revisiting his old claims that U.S. investigations into Russia’s role in the 2016 election were unfounded, and again boasting that the American economy is the “hottest” in the world.

For his part, Putin praised the “friendly” tone of the talks, saying both countries should “turn the page and go back to cooperation.” He described Trump as a leader with a clear vision for his country’s prosperity, while also recognizing Russia’s own national interests.

Putin expressed hope that the meeting could serve as a starting point for rebuilding pragmatic U.S.-Russia relations. Still, neither leader provided concrete steps toward a Ukraine ceasefire. Trump, who once promised to end the war on his first day in office, downplayed expectations by calling the summit a “feel-out meeting.” He did, however, warn that there would be “very severe consequences” for Russia if Putin didn’t agree to peace.

No new sanctions were announced, and the talks ended without a firm timeline for another summit. Putin suggested the next meeting could take place in Moscow, and Trump responded that it was “possibly” on the table. Both men left the stage without taking questions from reporters.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later described the talks as “very positive,” noting that the summit gave both nations a chance to keep searching for options to resolve the conflict.

For now, though, the war in Ukraine continues.