Vladimir Putin was received by U.S. officials with an unexpected opening of warmth – a red carpet and a presidential limo – sparking widespread criticism that prompted a response from the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson. How did she interpret it?
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Western Reaction
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Marija Zacharova, stated that footage of Vladimir Putin’s welcome ceremony in Alaska shocked Western countries. “Western media are in a state that could be described as madness, bordering on complete insanity,” she wrote on Telegram. “For three years, we talked about Russia’s isolation, and today we see a red carpet on which the president of Russia is welcomed in the United States,” she added.
How Trump Greeted Putin in Alaska
On Friday (August 15), Vladimir Putin met Donald Trump. The Russian leader arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, and later spoke with the U.S. president at a military base. First, the politicians met at the airport. The manner in which Putin was received—with honors and applause—caused considerable commentary. Critics particularly noted the red carpet laid out for him. “Trump literally commanded soldiers in uniform, who were in active service, to kneel and lay out a red carpet for the dictator responsible for genocide, who in the past 26 years has killed millions worldwide,” wrote veteran and blogger Jake Broe. Putin was also invited into the presidential limousine, a precedent‑setting event. European and American media described the encounter as a complete failure for Donald Trump but a personal victory for Putin, who “deceived” the American president.
Meeting Between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump Without Breakthrough
The entire meeting lasted about three hours and ended faster than expected. Both delegations’ joint lunch was cancelled. At the press conference, the leaders only delivered their own statements. Neither leader announced any decisions on a cease‑fire in the war in Ukraine. Later, Donald Trump informed on Truth Social that he intends to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president is slated to arrive in Washington on Monday, August 18. “If everything goes well, we will then arrange a meeting with President Putin. Potentially we can save the lives of millions of people,” he wrote, summarizing his meeting with the Russian dictator. According to him, the discussion proceeded “sensationally,” as did subsequent phone talks with President Zelensky, other European leaders, including President Karl Nehammer, and NATO Secretary‑General. “Everyone agreed that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is a direct peace agreement that would end the war, not just a cease‑fire that often fails over time,” added him.
