Picture this: two of the world’s most powerful leaders—Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin—landing separately at an Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska. Beneath a blue backdrop declaring "Pursuing Peace," they shared a handshake and launched a summit aimed at ending the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years.
Inside a conference room branded "ALASKA 2025," Trump and Putin spent nearly three hours in talks with their delegations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff joined Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov for a three-on-three session designed to jump-start a ceasefire in Ukraine.
When they emerged, both leaders played up progress but admitted no deal was sealed. "There were many, many points that we agreed on," Trump said. "I would say a couple of big ones that we haven’t quite got there, but we’ve made some headway. So there’s no deal until there’s a deal."
Putin praised the meeting as "constructive," saying it could become "a reference point" not only for resolving the Ukraine conflict but also for restoring pragmatic U.S.-Russia ties. He highlighted the "enormous potential" for business and investment partnerships in energy, technology, space exploration and the Arctic, and warned Ukraine and its European allies not to "torpedo" any progress. "I have every reason to believe that by moving along this path, we can reach an end to the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible," he said.
Despite the optimism, the summit wrapped up without a final agreement on a ceasefire. The two leaders spoke briefly to cameras, declined questions, and parted ways with a hint of what’s next: Putin quipped, "Next time in Moscow," as Trump nodded.
Though no final ceasefire deal emerged, the Alaska talks signal that both sides are willing to keep talking—a reminder that diplomacy is often a marathon, not a sprint. For young global citizens, business insiders and travelers alike, the summit underscores how high-stakes negotiations hinge on a handshake, a shared stage and a shared commitment to dialogue.
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Trump, Putin conclude Alaska talks with no deal over Ukraine conflict
cgtn.com
