Putin, Trump Hold Expanded Alaska Summit Talks

Download IPFS

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov joined expanded talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, as both leaders sought to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Belousov’s participation in the summit, marking an unusually high-level delegation on the Russian side.

Trump welcomed Putin on the tarmac in a formal ceremony. Both leaders deplaned simultaneously, posing for photographs under the flyover of a U.S. stealth bomber and fighter jets. From there, the presidents proceeded to the summit venue in the U.S. presidential limousine.

The meeting initially took place in a three-on-three format. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Putin’s delegation included several top aides. Later, the summit expanded into a larger working lunch including Belousov and other officials.

Ahead of the summit, Trump told Fox News that he was prepared to “walk” away from the talks if no progress was achieved. Regarding potential territorial discussions involving Ukraine, he emphasised that any decisions would rest with Kyiv. “They’ll be discussed, but I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision,” Trump said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected territorial concessions and reiterated his commitment to the country’s sovereignty. According to Ukrainian sources, Trump indicated a willingness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, though he clarified these would not involve NATO. “Along with Europe and other countries, these guarantees are possible, but not in the form of NATO,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.

The Alaska summit is the first in-person meeting between sitting U.S. and Russian presidents since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. Officials indicated that the agenda would cover the ongoing conflict, potential security arrangements, and wider regional and international issues.

Belousov’s presence underscores the military dimension of the talks, suggesting that discussions could involve operational and strategic considerations, including troop deployments and defense postures in Eastern Europe. Analysts note that the inclusion of defense officials in diplomatic talks is rare, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Both delegations stressed the importance of continued dialogue. Kremlin statements framed the meeting as a step toward stabilizing the region and exploring mutually acceptable security measures, while U.S. officials emphasized support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Observers have noted that while direct negotiations on Ukraine’s borders remain contentious, high-level diplomacy provides an avenue for de-escalation and potential humanitarian outcomes, including the safety of civilians in conflict zones. The summit also allows both nations to address broader issues, such as arms control, cyber threats, and economic sanctions, in a structured forum.

As the summit concluded, officials indicated that follow-up meetings would likely be scheduled to maintain momentum. Both sides underscored that while no agreements were immediately reached, the talks represented an opportunity for transparent communication and practical steps toward conflict mitigation.

The outcome of the Alaska summit will be closely watched in Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, as well as by European and international stakeholders. Any progress could have significant implications for U.S.-Russia relations, the stability of Eastern Europe, and humanitarian conditions for civilians affected by the ongoing war.