By Shane Croucher, Amanda Castro, and Hannah Parry
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Donald Trump said that it was up to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure a ceasefire agreement after the U.S. president failed to land a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their Friday meeting.
"Now it is really up to President Zelensky to get it done," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity following the Alaska summit. "I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit."
Zelensky was not invited to the meeting.
What to Know:
- The talks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska ended without a deal after a two-and-a-half-hour closed-door session on Friday.
- Trump announced, during his joint press conference with Putin that "great progress" had been made, but conceded, "there's no deal until there's a deal" on the ceasefire.
- The president added that he would still rate the meeting as a 10 out of 10 because he and Putin had got along so well, and said he was backing off Russian sanctions for now.
- Putin and Trump were joined for their meeting by Secretary Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Witkoff, on Trump's side, and Russian minister of foreign affairs Sergey Lavrov and policy adviser Yury Ushakova on Putin's.
- Trump gave Putin a warm welcome as he landed at the base, with a red carpet, a friendly handshake, and even a flyover from B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets.
Read More On The Summit:
- Donald Trump Leaves Vladimir Putin Summit Without a Deal in Hand
- Donald Trump Grades His Meeting With Vladimir Putin as a 10 of 10
- Ukrainian Official Calls Trump-Putin Summit a 'Failure'
- Vladimir Putin Takes Swipe At Biden, Says 'No War' if Trump Was President
- Donald Trump Praised For 'Domination' Move Over Putin at Alaska Summit
Newsweek's live blog has ended.
Aug 16, 2025 at 12:16 AM EDT
Trump says he and Putin ‘largely agreed’ on land swaps
Donald Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity that he'd found he "largely agreed" with Vladimir Putin about potential lands swaps between Ukraine and Russia.
"Those are points that we negotiated and those are points that we largely agreed on, actually."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the summit, but he has previously made clear he is not willing to swap land with Russia.
"Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier," Zelensky said in an October video address.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:41 PM EDT
Trump backs off Russian sanctions after meeting with Putin
Donald Trump has shelved plans to impose sanctions on Russia, following his meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Trump had threatened "severe consequences" if he and Putin weren't able to agree on a ceasefire deal.
Yet on Friday, despite Trump leaving the Alaska summit without securing a peace deal with Putin, he said that the talks had convinced him to back off secondary sanctions for now.
"I think I don't have to think about that," he told Fox News' Sean Hannity.
"I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don't have to think about that right now."
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:20 PM EDT
Trump says Putin gave him advice on fair elections
President Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin gave him advice on how to run "honest elections."
"Vladimir Putin, smart guy, said you can't have an honest election with mail-in voting," Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity. "He said 'your election was rigged because you have mail in voting.'"
"And he said there's not a country in the world that uses it," Trump added, telling Hannity that Putin had told him the 2020 election had been stolen from him.
Putin, who has been in power since 2000, has been accused of holding biased elections, with allegations of fraud and voter intimidation. Putin's political opponents also have a tendency to die in mysterious circumstances.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:13 PM EDT
Trump says it’s on Zelensky to get deal done
President Donald Trump said it's now up to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure a ceasefire deal.
"Now it is really up to President Zelensky to get it done," he said. "I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit."
Zelensky was not invited to the summit.
When asked what advice he'd give the Ukrainian leader, Trump said, "Make a deal... Russia's a very big power."
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:58 PM EDT
Kremlin explains why Trump, Putin skipped questions at press conference
President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin skipped the Q&A at their Friday's joint press conference because "exhaustive statements were made," a Kremlin spokesperson said.
"The conversation is really very positive, and the two presidents spoke about it," said spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to Russia's state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.
"This is the very conversation that allows us to confidently continue moving forward together on the path of seeking resolution options."
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM EDT
Lindsay Graham reacts to Putin blaming Biden for Ukraine war
Sen. Lindsey Graham has responded to Vladimir Putin's claim that the Ukraine war would not have started if Donald Trump had been president in 2022.
During his joint press conference on Friday, Putin backed up Trump's claims that Russia would not have invaded if he had been in power.
However, Republican senator Graham, a close ally of Trump, said he disagreed with Putin's claim.
"I blame Putin more than anybody else for starting the war, I want be clear about that," Graham said on Friday evening.
"But let me tell you, I've never been more hopeful and optimistic that this war can end honorably and justly than I am right now."
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:31 PM EDT
Donald Trump grades his meeting with Vladimir Putin as a 10 of 10
President Donald Trump on Friday lauded his bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling Fox News host Sean Hannity that he would rate the meeting as a 10 out of 10.
Trump and Putin met Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss ending Moscow's war against Ukraine, which Putin launched in February 2022. The White House said the Russian leader reached out to request the meeting, to which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited.
"If you had to grade it on a scale of 1 to 10?" Hannity, arguably one of Trump's staunchest supporters in the conservative media sphere, asked the president during a prime-time broadcast Friday following the Trump-Putin summit.
"So I think the meeting was a 10 in the sense that we got along great," Trump replied. "And it's good when two big powers get along especially when they're nuclear powers. You know, we're number one, they're number two in the world and that's a big deal ... you never even want to mention that word. The word 'nuclear.'"
The American president went on to say that the ball is now in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's court, though he declined to say whether the Russian leader had made any concessions during the three-hour summit.
Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:18 PM EDT
WATCH: Putin swipes at Biden, says there’d ‘be no war’ if Trump was president
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:06 PM EDT
Trump believes ‘big issue’ that he and Putin disagreed on will be leaked
President Donald Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity that he was mostly happy with his meeting with Vladimir Putin. But there had been "one big issue" the two leaders had disagreed on.
When asked what that issue was, Trump declined to say but said he believed it was likely to be leaked soon.
"I guess somebody is going to go public with it," he said.
"They'll figure it out... I want to see if we can get it done."
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:53 PM EDT
Trump ‘very happy’ with Putin backing his claims about Ukraine war
Donald Trump appeared on Fox News' Hannity just hours after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During his interview, Trump said he had been "very happy" to hear Putin agree with his regularly repeated claim that the Ukrainian invasion would never have broken out, if he had won the election in 2020.
"I was very happy to hear him say if I was president that war would have never happened," he said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:37 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump says ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’ after Putin meeting
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:25 PM EDT
Trump boards Air Force One after Alaska summit
President Donald Trump has boarded Air Force One, after a total of six hours in Alaska, following his summit and joint press conference with Vladimir Putin.
Trump is now bound back for the White House.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:23 PM EDT
Putin boards plane bound for Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has boarded a plane in Anchorage, Alaska, less than an hour after his joint press conference with President Donald Trump.
Putin was seen waving and giving a bow to the cameras before entering the plane, bound back for Russia.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:21 PM EDT
Putin leaves flowers on Soviet soldiers’ graves in Alaska after summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin laid flowers on the graves of Soviet soldiers at the Fort Richardson Memorial Cemetery after his meeting with President Donald Trump on Friday.
The graves honor Soviet pilots and sailors who died while transporting equipment from the U.S. to the USSR during the Second World War, the Kremlin said.
The Kremlin also released video showing Putin leaving the bouquet and making the sign of a cross at the gravesite.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:17 PM EDT
Ukrainian politician brands talks ‘failure,’ says Putin ‘used’ Trump to ‘win the informational war’
Oleksandr Merezhko, the chairman of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, called the peace talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin a "failure."
Merezhko told the New York Times that not only had the summit failed to achieve a peace deal, but Putin had "used Trump to show that he is not isolated."
"He won the informational war," he added.
Merezhko added that Putin had also been allowed to repeat old talking points, citing security concerns for the invasion of Ukraine, and "used his usual rhetoric.
"I don't see any changes," he added.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:05 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: Trump looks downcast as summit ends with no peace deal
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:58 PM EDT
WATCH: Moment Putin asks Trump to meet in Moscow for next meeting
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:46 PM EDT
Donald Trump leaves Vladimir Putin summit without a deal in hand
President Donald Trump departed Friday's high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin without securing a cease-fire in Ukraine, a goal he had publicly set before boarding Air Force One for Anchorage.
Held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, the summit marked Putin's first trip to the U.S. in a decade. The event opened with military flyovers, a red-carpet ceremony, and an unusual, shared ride in Trump's armored limousine.
The talks ended without a deal after a two-and-a-half-hour closed-door session, a stark contrast to Trump's pre-summit remarks to Fox News, in which he said he would be unhappy leaving without some form of a ceasefire.
"We haven't quite got there, but we've got some headway," Trump said at a joint appearance with Putin following the meeting. "There's no deal until there's a deal
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:37 PM EDT
Press conference ends with no questions
Trump and Putin's brief press conference ended without taking any questions from the media.
While Putin is unaccustomed to being grilled by independent media, it's is extremely rare for Trump to end any press event without taking questions.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:27 PM EDT
Putin invites Trump to Moscow for next summit
Vladimir Putin switched to English at the end of the relatively short press conference, to invite Donald Trump to Moscow for the next peace talks.
Trump called the proposal "an interesting one" and said it was a "possibility" even though he acknowledged he could "get a little heat on that one."
"But I could see it possibly happening," he said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:24 PM EDT
Trump confirms no deal was reached
Donald Trump praised his meeting with Vladimir Putin, telling the joint press conference that they had made "great progress" but still "haven't quite gotten there yet" on a ceasefire deal for Ukraine.
"There's no deal until there's a deal," Trump said.
He said that there were still some points of disagreements remain between the U.S. although he sounded optimistic.
"We have a very good chance of getting there," he added.
Trump added that he would soon call Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, to inform him of the discussions.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:19 PM EDT
Putin backs up Trump’s claim that Ukraine war would not have started if he was president
Vladimir Putin backed up Donald Trump's oft-repeated claim that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if Trump had won the 2020 election.
"President Trump [said] that if he was the president back then, there will be no war, and I'm quite sure that it would indeed be. So I can confirm that," he said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:17 PM EDT
Putin says Trump understands Russia ‘has it’s own interests’, tells Ukrainians ‘not to throw wrench’ in process
Vladimir Putin told the assembled press the Donald Trump understands that Russia has its own interests in Ukraine, as he called on Ukrainians and Europeans choose to "not throw a wrench in" the peace negotiations.
"Both sides should be results oriented," Putin said. "Trump clearly cares about the prosperity of his nation. But understands Russia has its own interests."
He added that, for any settlement to be "lasting and long-term, we need to eliminate the primary causes of the conflict." He did not elaborate on what he believed those causes to be.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:11 PM EDT
Russian leader says meeting with Trump was ‘long overdue’
Putin noted that there had been no Russia-U.S. summits for several years, as he called today's meeting "long overdue."
He described relations between the countries as having "fallen to the lowest point since the Cold War".
The Russian leader said Trump wants to get to the "crux of the matter" referring to Ukraine, adding that he and the U.S. president have communicated through a number of "frank" phone calls.
Aug 15, 2025 at 07:06 PM EDT
Putin kicks off conference, praises ‘constructive’ and ‘thorough’ negotiations
Vladimir Putin kicked off the press conference, speaking through a translator, by praising the "constructive" and "thorough" negotiations.
"Our negotiations have been held in a constructive atmosphere of mutual respect," Putin said.
Putin thanked Trump for inviting him to the meeting in Alaska, adding that he had called Trump a "neighbor."
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:58 PM EDT
Trump and Putin take to stage for joint press confernece
Vladimir Putin joined President Trump on stage for a joint press conference after their closed-door meeting.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:51 PM EDT
Russian Defense speaks out after closed-doors meeting
Russian Defense Minister A. Belousov described the mood as "great" after Vladimir Putin's meeting with Donald Trump, and senior aides.
"The mood is always great," he told the press.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:48 PM EDT
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff just took his seat at the press conference
Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff just took his seat at the press conference.
He declined to answer reporters' questions.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:39 PM EDT
Kremlin says Trump-Putin meeting went ‘very well’
The Kremlin has said that the summit between Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump went "very well."
Russia's Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev added that the talks were "excellent" after they came to an end after just under three hours.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:30 PM EDT
Both Trump and Putin expected to give remarks at conference
Both Trump and Putin are expected to take the stage at the press conference after their meeting.
While there has been plenty of uncertainty over whether the Russian leader will join Trump for the press conference, but CBS News reports he will join.
The world leaders are set to take the stage, which has been set up with two podiums, in five minutes.
Behind the lecterns, is a backdrop that reads, "Pursuing Peace."
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:22 PM EDT
Trump repeats threats of ‘very severe consequences’ for Putin if they can’t reach agreement
President Donald Trump confirmed again Friday that he will impose "severe" consequences if he wasn't able to come an agreement with Vladimir Putin.
"Economically severe, yes," Trump told reporters on Air Force One ahead of the meeting.
"It will be very severe. I'm not doing this for my health, okay? I don't need it. I'd like to focus on our country, but I'm doing this to save a lot of lives. Yeah, very severe."
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:19 PM EDT
Journalists seen moving to press room for conference
The media was seen moving to the press room at the joint base in Alaska, ahead of the joint press conference, after the talks between President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and their senior aides came to an end.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:16 PM EDT
Trump-Putin meeting has ended
The Trump-Putin summit has ended after around two and a half hours.
Aug 15, 2025 at 06:03 PM EDT
Trump-Putin meeting surpasses two-and-a-half-hour mark
The meeting between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and their senior aides has surpassed the two-and-a-half-hour mark.
The working lunch, with the expanded delegation, will take place once the meeting concludes.
The Kremlin warned the talks could go on for as long as seven hours.
Aug 15, 2025 at 05:54 PM EDT
Donald Trump reacts to Hillary Clinton’s Nobel Peace Prize remarks
President Donald Trump quipped that he "may have to start liking" his former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton again after she said she would personally nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize if he ended Russia's war in Ukraine without Kyiv surrendering territory.
"That was very nice," the Republican president told Fox News' Bret Baier during an in-flight interview enroute to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday in Alaska. "I may have to start liking her again."
The full Special Report with Bret Baier interview is scheduled to air Friday night on Fox News.
Read in full from Jenna Sundel on Newsweek.
Aug 15, 2025 at 05:47 PM EDT
Who will be at Trump and Putin’s working lunch?
Trump and Putin are currently meeting, alongside four senior aides and their translators.
Following the talks, a wider delegation is set to join them for a working lunch.
The working lunch will include:
- Trump
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- White House chief of staff Susie Wiles
- Putin
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
- Yury Ushakov, a Russian diplomatic adviser
- Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund
- Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov
- Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov
Aug 15, 2025 at 05:35 PM EDT
Photos: Donald Trump gives Vladimir Putin warm welcome to Alaska
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin opened their Alaska summit Friday with a warm handshake, greeting each other like longtime acquaintances before beginning hours of talks that could reshape the war in Ukraine and the broader U.S.-Russia relationship.
After stepping off Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Trump applauded as Putin approached along a red carpet laid out for each leader. The two clasped hands for an extended moment, smiling as cameras clicked. Putin eventually pointed skyward while their hands were still joine
Uniformed service members stood at attention nearby as B-2 bombers and F-22 fighter jets — aircraft designed to counter Russia during the Cold War — roared overhead in a symbolic flyover.
Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Aug 15, 2025 at 05:13 PM EDT
Trump-Putin meeting update
The meeting between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and their senior aides has been going for just over 90 minutes.
A White House official told CNN that the working lunch with the expanded delegation had not yet started as the smaller talks continue.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:58 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: Summit well underway
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have officially begun their high-stakes summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where they are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and broader strategic issues.
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Aug 15, 2025 at 04:56 PM EDT
B-2 bomber and two F-35 fighter jets fly overhead in show of force
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President Donald Trump greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin with a flyover from B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets.
It is the same bomber-type that the U.S. used to strike Iran's nuclear sites earlier this summer.
While it is not clear if Trump personally ordered the bombers, the flyover was an impressive show of force from the U.S. ahead of Trump and Putin's sit down.
The superpower leaders also walked past parked F-22 fighter jets as they walked the red carpet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:48 PM EDT
Zelensky condemns Russian strikes as Trump-Putin summit opens in Alaska
As Trump and Putin met Friday in Anchorage to discuss the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced ongoing Russian attacks as evidence that Moscow is not serious about peace. In a video posted shortly before the summit began, Zelensky said Russia had bombed several Ukrainian regions, including a central market in Sumy, killing civilians.
"On the day of negotiations, they are killing, as well. And that speaks volumes," Zelensky said, adding that there was "no signal" from Moscow indicating readiness to end the war.
Kyiv also reported a retaliatory strike on a Russian oil refinery in Samara overnight, underscoring the continued intensity of the conflict.
Zelensky, who was not invited to the Alaska summit, urged the U.S. to take a firm stance in backing Ukraine's demands, particularly a ceasefire. European leaders echoed that position during a call with Trump earlier this week, emphasizing that no meaningful negotiations could occur without halting hostilities.
Trump has suggested that if progress is made, a second meeting could include Zelensky and potentially lead to a trilateral summit in Alaska.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:32 PM EDT
Zelensky urges ceasefire as Trump-Putin summit begins in Alaska
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a ceasefire as Ukraine's top priority for the ongoing summit between Trump and Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Speaking after a video call with Trump and European leaders earlier this week, Zelensky said that "only a ceasefire can open the door to real peace talks."
European officials echoed the sentiment, calling the expanded summit format — which now includes advisers — a "reassuring development." According to CNN, Trump privately told European leaders he would press Putin for a ceasefire during the meeting.
Zelensky also pushed for Ukraine's direct involvement in future negotiations, proposing a trilateral summit with the U.S. and Russia. "Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed exclusively with Ukraine," he said Wednesday, urging preparations for a three-way format.
While Kyiv remains excluded from today's talks, Trump has signaled openness to a follow-up meeting involving Zelensky, contingent on progress in Anchorage.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:22 PM EDT
Putin is not accustomed to being grilled by the media
Since landing on the tarmac in Anchorage, Alaska, Vladimir Putin has been peppered with question by journalists asking about his record in Ukraine.
"When will you stop killing civilians?" and "Why should Trump trust your words?" Putin asked. He did not respond.
Back in Russia, Putin is surrounded by a pool of Kremlin-controlled journalists who almost never ask any tough, or unsanctioned questions.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:18 PM EDT
Trump and Putin launch high-stakes summit in Alaska: Catch Up
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin began their summit on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, amid heightened global attention and military symbolism. The two leaders greeted each other on the tarmac with a handshake and photo op, followed by a dramatic flyover featuring a B-2 stealth bomber and four F-35 fighter jets.
In a rare gesture, Putin joined Trump inside the U.S. presidential limousine as they departed for the meeting venue. Originally planned as a one-on-one, the summit was expanded to include top aides: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for the U.S., and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and adviser Yuri Ushakov for Russia.
The talks, held under the banner "Alaska 2025: Pursuing Peace," are expected to cover Ukraine, economic issues, and global strategic security. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev confirmed the agenda would not be limited to bilateral concerns. Trump has signaled he's willing to walk away if progress stalls.
European officials expressed relief that the meeting was no longer private, calling the expanded format "reassuring." Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported continued Russian attacks and said there were "no signals" of a ceasefire. Russian officials remain optimistic but cautious about the summit's outcome.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:11 PM EDT
Can Vladimir Putin speak English?
Vladimir Putin is believed to have at least a functional understanding of English, though he rarely speaks it in public.
Most of the time, he communicates through interpreters during international meetings and official events, which allows him to maintain precision in his words and avoid any misunderstandings.
However, there have been instances—particularly in informal settings, interviews, or interactions with foreign leaders—where Putin has spoken English directly. Reports and videos suggest that he can hold basic conversations and understand what is being said, but he prefers Russian to convey nuanced political or diplomatic messages. This choice is as much about political image and control as it is about language proficiency.
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:06 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump and Putin meet in Alaska to discuss ending Ukraine war
Aug 15, 2025 at 04:06 PM EDT
Zelensky said Ukraine is counting on American strength
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, ahead the meeting between President Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, that he was counting on American strength to end the war.
"We count on a strong American position," he said in his nightly video address in Kyiv. "Everything will depend on this."
He pointed to Russian strikes on Ukraine on Friday as evidence Putin had not intention of ending the war.
"Russia must end the war that it itself started and has been dragging on for years. The killings must stop," Zelensky said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:56 PM EDT
Trump fundraises off Putin summit moments after talks begin
Just minutes after sitting down with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, Trump launched a fundraising appeal tied directly to the high-stakes summit.
In an email sent to supporters, Trump wrote, "I'm meeting with Putin in Alaska! It's a little chilly," before urging recipients to "stand with Trump" and contribute $10.
The message framed the meeting as pivotal for global stability, calling it "VERY HIGH STAKES for the world."
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:49 PM EDT
Trump and Putin kick off bilateral meeting
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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have sat down for their summit.
They were joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and a translator, on Trump's side. Russian minister of foreign affairs Sergey Lavrov, Russian policy adviser Yury Ushakova and a translator were seated alongside Putin.
Both Trump and Putin declined to take questions from the media, who were then ushered out of the room ahead of the meeting.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:41 PM EDT
Trump-Putin meeting begins
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting for their high-stakes summit aimed at negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.
The meeting marks Putin's first face-to-face with a U.S. president since Russia's 2022 invasion and Trump's first with Putin since 2019
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:38 PM EDT
Body language expert reacts to Trump-Putin handshake
Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for their first in-person meeting in over four years, with the war in Ukraine and U.S.–Russia economic cooperation topping the agenda.
The interaction between the two leaders was closely watched not only for diplomatic outcomes, but also for the physical cues exchanged during their public greeting. Patty Ann Wood, a body language expert consulted by Newsweek, analyzed the encounter and said their gestures showed a blend of deference, control, and familiarity.
"As Trump stands waiting, he's smiling—a sign he's comfortable and looking forward to the event," Wood said. "It's his natural smile, small and slightly downturned at the corners. His shoulders are back more than usual; he might be wearing a form-fitting undergarment because his posture is unusually erect. This all suggests confidence."
As Putin approached, Trump began applauding lightly. "That shows respect toward Putin," Wood said. "As Putin approaches, Trump takes a step forward."
At the moment of the handshake, Trump appeared to break from his usual habit of dominating the gesture. "Trump typically likes to have his hand on top, but here it appears he presented his palm up—a weaker, more subordinate position—indicating he sees Putin as more powerful," she said.
"Still, he uses a signature Trump move: keeping the handshake tight to his mid-body to pull the other person in, a display of power."
The two maintained eye contact and smiled, which Wood said suggested "a balance of deference and assertion." Their heads remained close together. "That suggests warmth," she said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:36 PM EDT
Trump and Putin make rare move of sharing a car enroute to talks
In a surprising move, Trump and Putin entered the same presidential limousine—known as "The Beast"—after meeting on the tarmac of the joint base in Alaska.
It is highly unusual to see the leaders of two major countries, particularly who are not allies, share a limousine.
The gesture underscored the summit's emphasis on optics and unity, even as substantive outcomes remain uncertain.
There did not appear to be interpreters in the car, although Putin speaks English well enough for them to have a private conversation.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:33 PM EDT
WATCH: Pro-Ukraine rally breaks out before Trump and Putin meeting
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:22 PM EDT
Putin asked if he will ‘stop killing civilians’ by press on tarmac
Russian President Vladimir Putin was greeted by tough questions by reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, moments after landing.
Putin, who had stopped to pose with Trump for photos, was asked by a journalist, "President Putin will you stop killing civilians?"
When he declined to answer, a reporter shouted out another question.
"Mr Putin, did you underestimate Ukraine?"
This time Putin mimed not being able to hear the question, before being whisked away by Trump in the U.S. presidential limousine—known as "The Beast."
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:21 PM EDT
Trump and Putin stage choreographed arrival
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In a striking display of diplomatic choreography, Trump and Putin deplaned simultaneously at 11:08 a.m. local time at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, ahead of their summit on the Russia-Ukraine war. Each leader descended a red carpet rolled out to their respective aircraft, converging at the intersection where Trump arrived first and applauded as Putin approached.
The two exchanged greetings and walked side by side to a riser positioned roughly 50 feet from the press corps. As they stood silently under a dramatic flyover of B-2 bombers and F-22 fighter jets, they refrained from answering shouted questions. After a second handshake, both leaders descended the platform.
In a surprising move, Trump and Putin entered the same presidential limousine—known as "The Beast"—to begin their closed-door talks. The gesture underscored the summit's emphasis on optics and unity, even as substantive outcomes remain uncertain.
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Aug 15, 2025 at 03:14 PM EDT
Trump gives Putin a warm welcome on the red carpet at Alaska joint base
President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin were all smiles as they met on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Friday.
The pair shook hands and appeared to share a joke and a smile as they then walked down the red carpet together.
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Aug 15, 2025 at 03:10 PM EDT
Trump is first to disembark his plane
President Donald Trump has become the first leader to disembark his plane, walking down the steps of Air Force One.
Russian President Vladimir Putin left his plane moments later.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:09 PM EDT
Trump and Putin deplane in Alaska
Both Trump and Putin have deboarded their planes and are walking the red carpet for their first meeting in several years.
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Aug 15, 2025 at 03:07 PM EDT
Putin’s delegation includes Lavrov and Ushakov for summit
As Putin meets with Trump in Alaska, the Kremlin has confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov are among the senior officials joining the talks.
Lavrov, Russia's top diplomat since 2004, brings decades of experience navigating tense geopolitical landscapes. Ushakov, a veteran envoy and former ambassador to Washington, has long shaped Moscow's strategic posture toward the United States.
The expanded Russian delegation also includes Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:04 PM EDT
Expanded format at Trump-Putin summit signals shift in White House dynamics
The decision to expand Friday's Trump-Putin summit from a one-on-one meeting to a larger group format may reflect a notable shift in Trump's approach to foreign policy in his second term. Unlike his first term, when he often clashed with key advisers, Trump now appears more confident in the alignment of his Cabinet with his worldview.
"It reflects how Trump feels about the people who are around him this time around," CNN's Kaitlan Collins said. "He feels more comfortable that they are in alignment with his view on the world and on foreign policy, and what he's pursuing here."
During his first term, Trump frequently disagreed with top officials like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. Today, he is joined in Alaska by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior aides, suggesting a more unified front as he engages in high-stakes diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:03 PM EDT
WATCH: Footage shows Putin’s plane coming into land in Alaska
Aug 15, 2025 at 03:01 PM EDT
Putin lands at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska
Russian President Vladimir Putin's Motorcade has arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
Putin was joined by several senior officials and diplomats.
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:56 PM EDT
F-22s stand guard as Putin arrives at Alaska base once built to counter Russia
At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, reporters gathered on the tarmac Friday as four F-22 Raptor stealth fighters formed a striking backdrop to a stage marked "ALASKA 2025."
The base, a Cold War-era stronghold, has long been viewed by its Air Force personnel as a frontline defense against Russian aggression. Today, those same pilots watched as Putin was welcomed with a red carpet.
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:37 PM EDT
Trump-Putin one-on-one scrapped in favor of three-on-three
The meeting between Trump and Putin has been replaced with a broader three-on-three format, a White House official confirmed Friday.
Joining Trump will be Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Russian delegation is expected to include senior officials, though exact names have not been released. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov are among those already in Anchorage for the summit.
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:36 PM EDT
Russia denies Sumy strike, calls accusation a summit disruption tactic
The Russian Defense Ministry has rejected Ukraine's claim that Russian forces struck a market in central Sumy on August 15, calling the allegation a "deliberate provocation" aimed at undermining the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska.
"The Kiev regime's accusations are designed to create a negative media backdrop and disrupt the Anchorage talks," the ministry said in a statement. It added that Russian forces did not conduct any operations in Sumy or nearby areas.
Ukrainian officials, including Sumy's regional governor, reported a fire and damage to civilian infrastructure following the strike, which occurred just hours before Presidents Trump and Putin were scheduled to meet. Russia maintains the incident was staged to derail diplomatic efforts.
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:27 PM EDT
Trump: ‘I want to see a ceasefire’
Hours before meeting Putin, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the summit's outcome remains uncertain.
"There's nothing set in stone," Trump said. "I want certain things. I want to see a ceasefire."
He added, "I'm in this to stop the killing."
While territorial issues are expected to surface during the talks, Trump said Ukraine must lead those decisions. "I've got to let Ukraine make that decision," he said. "I'm here to get them at a table."
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:21 PM EDT
Putin to honor soviet pilots in Alaska after Trump summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit a military cemetery in Alaska following his summit with Trump, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The site holds the remains of Soviet pilots who died in 1943 while ferrying aircraft along the Alaska-Siberia (ALSIB) air route during World War II.
This comes as Putin seeks to underscore historical cooperation between Russia and the United States, even amid tense negotiations over the war in Ukraine. The ALSIB route was a key part of the Lend-Lease program, which saw thousands of American-built planes delivered to the Soviet Union.
Aug 15, 2025 at 02:10 PM EDT
Trump says Ukraine must decide its own fate in talks with Putin
Trump said Friday that he will not negotiate on Ukraine's behalf during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, emphasizing that any decisions on territorial concessions must come from Kyiv itself.
"They'll be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision," Trump said aboard Air Force One, according to Reuters. "I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I'm here to get them at a table."
The president expressed optimism about the talks, citing Russia's economic strain and mutual respect between the two leaders. "He's a smart guy, been doing it for a long time, but so have I," Trump said. "Something's going to come of it."
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:58 PM EDT
Putin adviser shares bear encounter ahead of summit
Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin and head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, posted a brief video on social media showing a bear sighting in Alaska.
The 13-second clip, shared on X, captured Dmitriev's encounter somewhere in the Alaskan wilderness. He said about the bear, "Hopefully a good sign."
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:52 PM EDT
Russian government jet lands in Anchorage ahead of summit
A second aircraft from Russia's Special Flight Squadron has arrived in Anchorage, fueling speculation about President Vladimir Putin's imminent arrival for Friday's summit with Trump.
The Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, part of the Russian presidential fleet, touched down at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport after a trans-Arctic flight from Moscow. Kremlin officials say the plane carried advance personnel and security staff, not Putin himself.
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:41 PM EDT
Trump eyes Ukraine cease-fire ahead of Putin meeting
President Donald Trump expressed hope for a swift cease-fire in Ukraine as he traveled to Alaska for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he aims to halt the fighting but acknowledged that no agreement is guaranteed.
"There's nothing set in stone," Trump said. "I want to see a cease-fire rapidly. I don't know if it's going to be today. But I'm not going to be happy if it's not today."
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:28 PM EDT
Trump-Putin summit may include talks on U.S.-Russia economic ties
Trump's meeting with Putin may extend beyond the war in Ukraine, with signs pointing to potential discussions on restoring economic relations. Aboard Air Force One en route to Alaska, Trump was joined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick—key figures in shaping U.S. financial and trade policy.
Their presence suggests the summit could address the possible easing of American sanctions and the resumption of bilateral commerce, which has been largely frozen since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and subsequent actions in Ukraine. While no formal agenda has been released, the inclusion of top economic officials signals broader ambitions for the talks.
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:14 PM EDT
Trump said he’d walk away if Putin summit fails
Trump signaled he's prepared to abandon his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin if talks don't yield progress. In an interview aboard Air Force One with Fox News' Bret Baier, Trump said he expects the summit to "work out very well," but added, "If it doesn't, I'm going to head back home real fast. I would walk, yeah."
Later Friday, Trump posted a video from the same flight, telling reporters his top priority is securing a ceasefire. "I want to see a ceasefire rapidly," he said. "I don't know if it's going to be today but I'm not going to be happy if it's not today. I'm in this to stop the killing."
Aug 15, 2025 at 01:05 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump warns of ‘severe sanctions’ if Putin isn’t interested in peace
Aug 15, 2025 at 12:51 PM EDT
Trump reaches out to Belarus’s Lukashenko
Trump said on social media that he had a "wonderful talk" with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, marking a rare moment of direct engagement between a U.S. leader and one of Europe's longest-serving autocrats. Trump praised Lukashenko as "highly respected" and thanked him for releasing 16 prisoners, noting that discussions were underway for the release of another 1,300.
The outreach signals a continued shift in Trump's approach to authoritarian leaders. While past presidents, including Barack Obama, maintained a cautious distance from Lukashenko—whose 31-year rule has been marked by repression and international isolation—Trump has opted for warmer ties. During his first term, he dispatched senior officials, including Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, to meet with Lukashenko in Minsk.
Trump's overture follows similar moves to re-engage other isolated regimes, raising questions about the long-term implications for U.S. diplomacy and human rights advocacy.
Aug 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM EDT
Kremlin says Trump-Putin summit could last up to seven hours
Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said the upcoming summit with Trump could stretch over six to seven hours, according to remarks made to Russian state media.
The schedule includes a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, broader talks between their respective delegations, and a joint press conference. Peskov pointed to the complexity of the agenda, suggesting the extended timeframe reflects the depth of issues to be discussed.
Aug 15, 2025 at 12:24 PM EDT
Chicken Kyiv on Russian jet seen as jab at Ukraine
Russian journalists traveling on a state-chartered flight to Alaska were served chicken Kyiv cutlets, a move widely interpreted as a jab at Ukraine ahead of a high-profile summit.
RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan announced the menu choice on Telegram. At the same time, RT reporter Egor Piskunov suggested the dish might bode well for talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Adding to the spectacle, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Alaska wearing a sweatshirt bearing "USSR" in Cyrillic, evoking Soviet-era symbolism.
Pro-Kremlin voices praised the gesture as political trolling, with some likening the meal to a metaphor for Russia's stance on Ukraine. Critics, including Lithuania's former foreign minister, warned the episode reflects Moscow's intent to provoke and humiliate its adversaries on the global stage.
Aug 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM EDT
Trump’s Ukraine envoy excluded from Alaska’s summit amid Russian concerns
Trump departed Washington for Alaska this morning; one notable figure was absent from the delegation: Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine.
Kellogg, a retired general and key liaison with Ukrainian officials, was left off the trip due to concerns from the Russian side, who view him as overly sympathetic to Kyiv. A senior U.S. official said his presence could have been "counterproductive" to the summit's goals.
Despite Kellogg's absence, administration sources say he has fully briefed Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Ukraine's positions. Rubio, known for his past criticism of Vladimir Putin, is expected to maintain a firm stance during talks.
European officials expressed disappointment over Kellogg's exclusion, citing his deep understanding of Ukraine's negotiating limits. Sources say Kellogg may join future trilateral discussions involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM EDT
Top US.. generals join Trump at summit
In a notable move, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top U.S. commander in Europe, are attending the Alaska summit alongside Trump.
The presence of the two senior Air Force officers—both highly regarded by civilian leaders in the White House and Pentagon—adds a layer of military caution to talks that include officials more receptive to engagement with Moscow, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Caine and Grynkewich are known for their hardline views on Russia, often voicing concern over its strategic intentions and military posture. Their inclusion signals that, despite internal divisions, the administration is balancing diplomatic outreach with firm national security oversight.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:41 AM EDT
Trump and Putin bring delegations to Alaska summit
Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet on Friday in Alaska, each accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes officials from defense, diplomacy, and economic affairs—suggesting the talks will extend beyond the war in Ukraine.
Putin's team features Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, alongside Kirill Dmitriev, a key figure in Russia's foreign investment strategy. Lavrov's appearance in Anchorage wearing a Soviet-era sweatshirt raised eyebrows, given the historical context of Ukraine's independence.
Trump's delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose recent remarks have questioned Ukraine's negotiating stance. CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are also attending, along with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
While Trump emphasized that ending the war remains his priority, the presence of economic officials points to potential discussions on sanctions, rare earth minerals, and commercial cooperation. Putin may seek to leverage Trump's business background to explore post-war investment opportunities.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM EDT
Ukrainian commanders dismiss Trump-Putin meeting as futile
As Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin head to Alaska for high-stakes talks, Ukrainian military leaders on the front lines say they expect little from the meeting.
"There is no point in negotiating with Putin," said Serhiy Tsehotskyi, an officer in Ukraine's eastern combat zone, per CNN. "We've been trying for eight years and gotten nowhere." He criticized the U.S. for rolling out the red carpet for Putin, arguing it legitimizes a leader he views as a "war criminal."
Tsehotskyi described Russia's battlefield tactics as brutal and cynical, saying Moscow is "filling us with corpses" to claim progress ahead of the summit.
Assault battalion commander Oleksandr Nastenko echoed the skepticism, warning that Putin "is not ready for a compromise" and will reject any deal. "Until one of us truly feels like the losing side," he said, "no one will agree on anything."
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:18 AM EDT
Sen. Murphy slams Trump-Putin summit as ‘photo op’
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) criticized Friday's summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a symbolic win for Moscow with little chance of producing a peace deal. Speaking on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Murphy said the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy undermines the legitimacy of the talks.
Murphy, a longtime critic of the Trump administration's foreign policy, argued the meeting "legitimizes war crimes" and sends a dangerous message to authoritarian leaders. "They can get away with murdering civilians and still get a photo-op with the president of the United States," he said.
Aug 15, 2025 at 11:08 AM EDT
Trump-Putin meeting highlights gaps in U.S. diplomatic ranks
Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin comes as key U.S. diplomatic positions remain vacant and experienced officials have exited the State Department. The U.S. currently lacks confirmed ambassadors in both Moscow and Kyiv, and the top European affairs post at the State Department is unfilled.
Career diplomats Lynne Tracy and Bridget Brink have departed, with Brink criticizing the administration's approach to Russia. Julie Davis, another career envoy, has been sent to Ukraine without a formal nomination. Meanwhile, longtime foreign service officer Louis Bono was replaced by a former Senate staffer tied to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The shakeup has drawn concern from former diplomats and lawmakers. "It's a lost opportunity if you don't use those experts and their insights," one former official said, per CNN. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen warned that the absence of seasoned voices could undermine the meeting's effectiveness, calling for a more deliberate diplomatic strategy.
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:52 AM EDT
Trump and Putin are meeting at historic Cold War-era U.S. base
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks today at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska—a site with deep Cold War significance.
The base played a key role in U.S. defense strategy against the Soviet Union, hosting aircraft and overseeing radar systems designed to detect nuclear threats and monitor Soviet movements.
Though much of its Cold War-era equipment has been retired, the base remains active. U.S. aircraft stationed there continue to intercept Russian planes that approach American airspace.
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:34 AM EDT
Trump and Putin’s past one-on-one meetings
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have met privately on multiple occasions, but two face-to-face summits stand out for their global impact and controversy.
Their first one-on-one meeting occurred at the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. The session, which lasted over two hours, included only top diplomats and interpreters. Trump reportedly pressed Putin on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, though no firm consequences followed.
The second major encounter came in July 2018 in Helsinki, Finland. With only interpreters present, Trump stunned observers by publicly siding with Putin over U.S. intelligence agencies on election meddling. "President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be," Trump said during their joint press conference. The backlash was swift and bipartisan, prompting Trump to later claim he misspoke.
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:19 AM EDT
Putin tours fish oil plant in Magadan ahead of Alaska summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a fish oil facility in Magadan, which is around four hours by air from Alaska, on Thursday, hours before his scheduled meeting with Trump.
According to a Kremlin post on Telegram, Putin toured the Omega-Si plant, which specializes in refining fish oil and producing omega-3 capsules. The facility is the first in Russia to manufacture re-esterified triglycerides from sardines and herring caught in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Aug 15, 2025 at 10:08 AM EDT
Pence urges Trump to ‘stand strong’ in Alaska, calls for peace through U.S. strength
Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced support for Trump ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, posting on X that he is "Praying for President Trump to Stand Strong in Alaska Today.
"A Ceasefire followed by a Just and Lasting Peace will only come through American Strength," Pence wrote.
While backing Trump's efforts to broker peace, Pence has previously criticized the president's framing of the war in Ukraine. In a post earlier this year, he rebuked Trump's suggestion that Ukraine bore responsibility for the conflict, writing, "Mr. President, Ukraine did not 'start' this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth."
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:59 AM EDT
Putin to land in Anchorage for runway meeting with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, at 11:00 a.m. local time, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Trump is expected to greet him directly on the runway at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, marking the start of a high-stakes summit focused on the war in Ukraine.
The meeting will be Putin's first visit to U.S. soil in a decade and the first ever by a Russian president to Alaska.
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:55 AM EDT
Zelensky: ‘We are counting on America’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Kyiv is intensifying military efforts in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions as Russian forces attempt to gain ground ahead of the high-stakes summit in Alaska.
Speaking after a Staff meeting, Zelenskyy praised the performance of the 79th and 82nd Air Assault Brigades near Dobropillia and announced additional reinforcements across eastern Ukraine. "We are succeeding," he said, noting Russia's mounting battlefield losses as it seeks leverage for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine's long-term defense strategy, including the expansion of a professional contract army and securing funding for 2025–2026.
He said intelligence services are monitoring Russian preparations for the Alaska summit, which he hopes will lead to "a real path toward a just peace" through trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
"We are counting on America," Zelenskyy said. "We are ready, as always, to work as productively as possible."
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:42 AM EDT
Trump signals openness to business talks with Russia if peace advances
Trump spoke of his rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin en route to their summit in Alaska, suggesting economic discussions could follow if progress is made toward ending the war in Ukraine.
"I noticed he's bringing a lot of business people from Russia, and that's good," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "They want to do business, but they're not doing business until we get the war solved."
Pressed on whether business opportunities would be on the table, Trump said, "If we make progress, I would discuss it, because that's one of the things that they would like; they'd like to get a piece of what I built in terms of the economy."
Among the Russian delegation are Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the country's sovereign wealth fund, signaling Moscow's interest in economic engagement.
Trump expressed optimism about the summit's outcome, citing mutual respect between the two leaders. "He's a smart guy. Been doing it for a long time, but so have I," Trump said. "We get along... I think something's going to come of it."
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:29 AM EDT
Zelensky urges U.S. support ahead of Trump-Putin summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday his country is "counting on America" as Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
"This meeting should open up a real path toward a just peace and a substantive discussion between leaders in a trilateral format — Ukraine, the United States, and the Russian side," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
He called on Moscow to take "necessary steps" to end the war, framing the summit as a potential turning point in efforts to resolve the conflict.
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:20 AM EDT
Zelensky, Macron plan strategic meeting following Trump-Putin summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke Thursday, with both leaders agreeing to hold a bilateral meeting "at the moment when it will be the most useful and effective," according to a statement from the Élysée Palace.
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:14 AM EDT
Trump downplays Putin’s leverage ahead of Alaska summit
On Thursday, Trump dismissed the notion that Putin holds a strategic edge, saying, "Well, he came to our country." Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said that his presidency has deterred Russia from fully overtaking Ukraine, calling the war "one that should have never happened."
"If I weren't president, he would take over all of Ukraine," Trump said. "But I am president, and he's not going to mess around with me."
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:09 AM EDT
Trump floats expanded peace talks with Putin and Zelensky
Trump said Thursday that he hopes to convene a second summit involving Putin and Zelensky, and possibly European leaders, following his scheduled one-on-one meeting with Putin in Alaska.
"The more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "We're going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along, maybe not."
The remarks come as Trump prepares for high-stakes talks with Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, aimed at laying the groundwork for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has said he believes both Putin and Zelensky are ready to make peace, though he acknowledged the war has been harder to resolve than anticipated.
"I thought the easiest one would be this one," Trump said. "It's actually the most difficult."
European leaders have urged Trump not to renegotiate any territorial concessions without Ukraine's direct involvement. Zelensky, who met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier Thursday, has rejected any land swaps and warned that excluding Kyiv from talks could embolden Russian aggression.
Aug 15, 2025 at 09:01 AM EDT
Trump says Alaska summit is about saying lives, not personal gain
Trump pushed back on suggestions that his efforts to end the war in Ukraine are driven by personal motives, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin is about preventing further bloodshed.
"I'm not doing this for my health. OK, I don't need it," Trump said en route to Anchorage. "I'd like to focus on our country, but I'm doing this to save a lot of lives."
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:49 AM EDT
Russian breakthrough highlights Ukraine’s biggest weakness ahead of summit
...
A sudden infiltration of Russian units through one of Ukraine's most crucial defensive lines has exposed the embattled nation's critical manpower disadvantage just as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to discuss the future of the war with his Russian counterpart.
While the extent of Russia's thrust toward the critical supply hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk province is still unclear, analysts and former officials say the penetration speaks to a persistent problem for Kyiv that has the potential to also influence the White House's perception going into Friday's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"It reinforces the acknowledgement that Ukraine has a military disadvantage here," Dan Caldwell, who recently served as senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, told Newsweek.
"The Russians currently have the upper hand on the battlefield and, while for good reasons there may be an unwillingness to acknowledge that out loud directly, it also reinforces the fact that there really aren't any good options to fundamentally change that," he added. "From what I saw previously, and from what I'm seeing now in open-source, is that what has been building up for the Ukrainians is fundamentally a manpower issue."
Caldwell noted that Ukrainians also suffered from "other disadvantages around certain supplies or certain munitions" including "the technological side," where Russia's increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have also contributed to recent gains.
"But if you don't have enough infantry to hold a line, to occupy a city, to maintain a line of communication or a supply line," he said, "then you are going to be pushed out of these positions eventually by a force that actually has manpower, has infantry, has forces that can go and hold and seize terrain."
Read the full story by Tom O'Connor on Newsweek.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:36 AM EDT
Trump warns Putin of ‘very serious’ consequences over Ukraine peace talks
Aboard Air Force One en route to Anchorage, Trump issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, vowing "very severe" economic consequences if Moscow obstructs efforts to broker peace in Ukraine.
The comments, shared via a Fox News tweet, come just hours before the two leaders are scheduled to meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:32 AM EDT
Trump weighs sanctions as Putin shows no shift on Ukraine
Trump weighs sanctions as Putin shows no shift on Ukraine
Trump has threatened sweeping sanctions against Russia to pressure Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, but he has acknowledged that such measures may not be effective. Despite escalating rhetoric and tariff threats, there is indication that Putin has softened his stance or made concessions toward peace.
Unlike past presidents who conditioned summits on progress, Trump agreed to meet Putin without signs of change from Moscow. Continued Russian energy exports have helped insulate the Kremlin from Western sanctions, and Trump has yet to impose direct tariffs on Russian goods. Instead, he targeted countries like India with secondary sanctions for importing Russian oil.
In a CNBC interview, Trump suggested that lowering global oil prices could influence Putin's behavior, saying, "Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a barrel." However, he has not sanctioned China, Russia's largest oil customer, and Indian officials say they will continue buying Russian crude despite rising U.S. tariffs.
Russian breakthrough highlights Ukraine's biggest weakness ahead of summit
A sudden infiltration of Russian units through one of Ukraine's most crucial defensive lines has exposed the embattled nation's critical manpower disadvantage just as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to discuss the future of the war with his Russian counterpart.
While the extent of Russia's thrust toward the critical supply hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk province is still unclear, analysts and former officials say the penetration speaks to a persistent problem for Kyiv that has the potential to also influence the White House's perception going into Friday's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"It reinforces the acknowledgement that Ukraine has a military disadvantage here," Dan Caldwell, who recently served as senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, told Newsweek.
"The Russians currently have the upper hand on the battlefield and, while for good reasons there may be an unwillingness to acknowledge that out loud directly, it also reinforces the fact that there really aren't any good options to fundamentally change that," he added. "From what I saw previously, and from what I'm seeing now in open-source, is that what has been building up for the Ukrainians is fundamentally a manpower issue."
Caldwell noted that Ukrainians also suffered from "other disadvantages around certain supplies or certain munitions" including "the technological side," where Russia's increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have also contributed to recent gains.
"But if you don't have enough infantry to hold a line, to occupy a city, to maintain a line of communication or a supply line," he said, "then you are going to be pushed out of these positions eventually by a force that actually has manpower, has infantry, has forces that can go and hold and seize terrain."
Read the full story by Tom O'Connor on Newsweek.
Trump floats expanded peace talks with Putin and Zelensky
Trump said Thursday that he hopes to convene a second summit involving Putin and Zelensky, and possibly European leaders, following his scheduled one-on-one meeting with Putin in Alaska.
"The more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "We're going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along, maybe not."
The remarks come as Trump prepares for high-stakes talks with Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, aimed at laying the groundwork for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has said he believes both Putin and Zelensky are ready to make peace, though he acknowledged the war has been harder to resolve than anticipated.
"I thought the easiest one would be this one," Trump said. "It's actually the most difficult."
European leaders have urged Trump not to renegotiate any territorial concessions without Ukraine's direct involvement. Zelensky, who met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier Thursday, has rejected any land swaps and warned that excluding Kyiv from talks could embolden Russian aggression. Trump weighs sanctions as Putin shows no shift on Ukraine
Trump has threatened sweeping sanctions against Russia to pressure Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, but he has acknowledged that such measures may not be effective. Despite escalating rhetoric and tariff threats, there is indication that Putin has softened his stance or made concessions toward peace.
Unlike past presidents who conditioned summits on progress, Trump agreed to meet Putin without signs of change from Moscow. Continued Russian energy exports have helped insulate the Kremlin from Western sanctions, and Trump has yet to impose direct tariffs on Russian goods. Instead, he targeted countries like India with secondary sanctions for importing Russian oil.
In a CNBC interview, Trump suggested that lowering global oil prices could influence Putin's behavior, saying, "Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a
Trump has threatened sweeping sanctions against Russia to pressure Putin into ending the war in Ukraine, but he has acknowledged that such measures may not be effective. Despite escalating rhetoric and tariff threats, there is an indication that Putin has softened his stance or made concessions toward peace.
Unlike past presidents who conditioned summits on progress, Trump agreed to meet Putin without signs of change from Moscow. Continued Russian energy exports have helped insulate the Kremlin from Western sanctions, and Trump has yet to impose direct tariffs on Russian goods. Instead, he targeted countries like India with secondary sanctions for importing Russian oil.
In a CNBC interview, Trump suggested that lowering global oil prices could influence Putin's behavior, saying, "Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a barrel." However, he has not sanctioned China, Russia's largest oil customer, and Indian officials say they will continue buying Russian crude despite rising U.S. tariffs.
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:23 AM EDT
Trump’s Ukraine peace pledge falters as war drags on
More than 200 days into his second term, Trump has yet to fulfill his campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. Despite the missed deadline, Trump continues to portray himself as a master negotiator and has tied his peace efforts to his pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize.
His stance on the conflict has shifted. Earlier this year, Trump appeared to side with Moscow, temporarily halting military aid and confronting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense Oval Office meeting. But recent frustrations with Putin have apparently prompted a reversal: Trump authorized new arms sales to Ukraine and condemned Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure as "disgraceful" and "disgusting."
In a Truth Social post last week, Trump said: "Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come." He has since warned of "very severe consequences" for Russia if Putin refuses to halt the war following their scheduled meeting.
While Trump has said he's had productive talks with Putin, he expressed dismay over continued violence. "I've had a lot of good conversations with him," Trump said Wednesday, "and then I go home and see a rocket hit a nursing home or a rocket hit an apartment building and people are laying dead in the streets."
Aug 15, 2025 at 08:15 AM EDT
Air Force One departs for Anchorage with Fox News’ Bret Baier on board
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Air Force One lifted off from Washington, D.C., at 8:07 a.m. ET en route to Anchorage, Alaska, where President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a high-stakes summit aimed at negotiating a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
Joining the president on the flight is Fox News anchor Bret Baier, who is slated to conduct an exclusive interview with Trump aboard the aircraft, per The Hill. Portions of the interview are expected to air Friday afternoon and during Baier's "Special Report" broadcast at 6 p.m. ET. A follow-up segment, recorded on the return flight, is scheduled to air Saturday.
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