Anchorage: The long-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded after nearly two and a half hours, significantly shorter than the six to seven hours initially expected, Kremlin officials said. Both leaders described the discussions as constructive, with Trump noting “substantial progress,” though no agreement was reached on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump added that he intends to meet Putin again in Russia, while Putin reaffirmed his commitment to ending the war.
While the Ukraine conflict dominated the talks, neither leader addressed tariffs, despite prior speculation that a Russian peace agreement could influence U.S. duties on India. Concerns remain over additional tariffs on India scheduled to take effect from August 27. Before the meeting, Putin personally welcomed Trump at Anchorage airport, and both leaders traveled together by car to the venue. Security in Anchorage was heightened, with B-2 stealth bombers and fighter jets patrolling the skies.