On Friday after 9 p.m. Polish time, the long‑anticipated meeting took place: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. It was the first visit in ten years of a Russian leader to the United States.
The First Moments of Trump’s Meeting with Putin
In Anchorage, Alaska, the two leaders arrived at the airport minutes apart. The U.S. president was on site about forty minutes ahead of schedule, and their planes stopped just a few hundred meters from each other. At the tarmac, Trump extended his hand while a red carpet was laid out for Putin. He was ushered in with full honors. Before boarding the government limousine, the presidents posed for photographs. RIA Novosti reported that Trump invited Putin to his vehicle, a request which the Russian leader accepted.
Putin Sat Under a Sign Saying “In Search of Peace”
During the airport proceedings, a journalist asked Putin to stop killing civilians. He responded by indicating that he did not hear her and then smiled at Trump. Observers noted that the body language of both leaders was far from hostile. Subsequent visits took them to Elmendorf‑Richardson Military Base where, in a conference room beneath a sign reading “In Search of Peace,” they remained silent in front of the press and did not answer journalists’ questions.
Change of Plans
Russian officials announced that talks could last six to seven hours, accompanied by a joint lunch. A press conference was planned afterward, possibly including both presidents or just Trump. This marked the first U.S. visit by a Russian leader in a decade. Initially, a one‑on‑one meeting was intended, but White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt said the discussion would take place with the advisors of both leaders. The reason for the change was not disclosed.
