Anchorage, 15 August 2025 — In a historic diplomatic meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. It was their first face-to-face encounter in years and the first such summit hosted by the U.S. since 2007. Their agenda included exploring a possible ceasefire in Ukraine and revisiting nuclear arms control talks.
Tensions Run High
President Trump described the summit as a high-stakes chance to end the war in Ukraine — Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II — while insisting that Ukraine would make its own decisions on territorial matters.
Putin’s presence in Alaska carried symbolic weight, given the region’s Russian history before its 1867 sale to the United States, and marked his return to high-level global diplomacy.
Alaskans Take to the Streets
The summit sparked widespread demonstrations across Alaska in solidarity with Ukraine. In Anchorage, hundreds gathered at major intersections waving Ukrainian flags, playing music, and holding signs ranging from “Putin is a war criminal” to witty remarks about Alaska’s former Russian ties.
Beyond the capital, at least 16 protest events were held in towns from Fairbanks to Kodiak and Ketchikan, including vigils and the dramatic display of a massive Ukrainian flag. Organisers said their goal was to show that Alaska stands united against aggression.
Local Leaders Caught Off-Guard
Anchorage’s mayor admitted to being blindsided by news of the meeting, learning about it through social media. The surprise announcement triggered last-minute coordination between local officials and federal authorities to manage the event.
A Delicate Balancing Act
While Trump and Putin held private talks inside the secure base, the implications of their discussions rippled globally. Critics raised concerns about Ukraine being excluded from negotiations that could shape its fate. Supporters, however, saw the summit as an opportunity to open the door to peace.