Trump and Putin Thaw Relations in Alaska: “We Are Close to a Ukraine Ceasefire

Alaska: In a high-stakes meeting lasting nearly three hours, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, among other critical issues. Despite the length and intensity of the discussion, no formal agreement was reached regarding a ceasefire.
Speaking at a joint press conference afterward, President Trump said, “Although an official ceasefire agreement hasn’t been finalized, we are close.” He added that his next step would be to speak directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone.
Trump described the talks as “positive and constructive,” highlighting that several key points were discussed during the meeting. Echoing his sentiment, President Putin also called the meeting constructive and emphasized that Russia is interested in resolving the conflict.
President Trump behaved like a good neighbor,” Putin noted, praising the American leader’s approach and expressing hope for a restoration of U.S.-Russia relations. He also extended an invitation to Trump for a follow-up meeting in Moscow.
Earlier, President Trump welcomed Putin with full protocol at the Alaska Airbase, personally escorting him in a car to the meeting venue. The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff, while the Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and envoy Yuri Ushakov.
Following the press briefing, both leaders departed without taking questions from the media.