In a highly anticipated and symbolically loaded summit, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today at Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson. The agenda: negotiating an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine’s nearly four-year conflict—and laying groundwork for a potentially historic nuclear arms control accord
The meeting, which began around 11:30 a.m. local time (7:30 p.m. GMT), marks the first in-person encounter between Trump and Putin since Trump returned to office and the first time Putin has set foot in the U.S. in nearly a decade
In prior remarks, Trump emphasized he was there “to get them at the table,” underscoring his primary goal: a ceasefire. He also warned of “very severe consequences” if Moscow failed to negotiate in good faith
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was notably absent from today’s talks. He and European leaders have criticized the summit’s exclusive format, cautioning that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s direct involvement risks lacking legitimacy.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, appearing alongside Putin, stirred controversy by donning a sweatshirt emblazoned with “CCCP,” a visible reference to the Soviet past
Earlier preparations included a one-on-one session between Trump and Putin, followed by working lunch with aides. Both leaders are expected to deliver remarks at a joint press briefing after approximately 6–7 hours of discussions.
Analysts caution that despite the summit’s diplomatic veneer, Russia may leverage battlefield gains—particularly in eastern Ukraine—to strengthen its negotiating posture. Observers note that any ceasefire plan entailing land swaps would face fierce legal and political resistance in Kyiv
Global attention now turns to the summit’s outcome: Will it open a path toward peace, or will Ukraine—and broader security—be sidelined once again?
