U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a three-hour meeting on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, during a U.S.-Russia summit focused on the war in Ukraine. The talks are seen as potentially pivotal for the course of the conflict, as Washington and its European allies stress that Kyiv must not be excluded from any settlement.
At a joint press conference, Putin called the talks “useful” and “constructive,” stressing that any Ukraine settlement must address Russia’s security concerns. Trump said “significant progress” was made but noted unresolved issues, highlighting potential in U.S.-Russia investment ties.
In a Fox News interview, Trump described the meeting as “very good,” saying the sides were close to a deal involving NATO, security, and territorial exchanges, urging President Zelenskyy “to make a deal.” Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov praised the “excellent atmosphere” of the summit.
The leaders began the day with a handshake at Alaska airport before sitting side by side under a backdrop reading Pursuing Peace.
