US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska, for a summit billed as a potential turning point in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The leaders shook hands on arrival before traveling together in the same vehicle to the meeting site, where, according to RIA Novosti correspondents, they began speaking en route. Putin, who is making his first visit to Western soil since the conflict began in February 2022, had earlier described his broader vision for Russia as a "historic and spiritual mission." No details of the Alaska conversation were immediately released.

#Watch | US President Donald #Trump and his counterpart Vladimir #Putin shake hands ahead of their high-stakes meeting in #Alaska later tonight.#Russia #UnitedStates pic.twitter.com/MSq7H4CLFv

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 15, 2025

The White House confirmed that Trump was accompanied at the talks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, replacing the previously planned one-on-one format. The discussions were set to expand over lunch to include other senior officials.

In a show of force by the US, a B-2 bomber alongside F-35 jets flew over the Presidents of #Russia and the #UnitedStates ahead of their meeting in #Alaska.#Putin #Trump pic.twitter.com/zgLuToKiiq

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 15, 2025

Trump has claimed there is a 75% chance the summit could produce a breakthrough, hinting at the possibility of a negotiated settlement. However, his suggestion that Ukraine and Russia might "divvy things up" has drawn resistance from Kiev. President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal that would see Ukraine relinquish territory taken by Russian forces, insisting on a full withdrawal and at least a 30-day ceasefire before considering further talks.

European capitals are watching the meeting closely, wary of Trump’s instinct-driven approach and his past reluctance to commit to US-led security guarantees for Ukraine. Rubio has suggested that European-backed guarantees could be an alternative, but warned that shifting battlefield realities would complicate any peace plan.

When asked by a reporter in Anchorage about his message to the Russian leader, Trump declined to respond.

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