by 
When Russian President Vladimir Putin stepped onto the world stage in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, the skies were overcast. A red carpet was laid out for him at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base runway, where US President Donald Trump was waiting to welcome him.
As Putin arrived, Trump greeted him with applause. The two leaders exchanged warm pleasantries, both smiling broadly.
For Putin, this was a significant moment. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western nations have largely shunned him. His international travels have been limited to a handful of Russia-friendly countries like North Korea and Belarus.
Within minutes of arriving in Alaska, a journalist shouted a question at Putin: “Will you stop killing civilians?” It was unclear if Putin was irritated; he ignored the question and looked away.
The Alaska summit itself was a major victory for Putin. The warm reception he received exceeded even the Kremlin’s expectations. Just six months ago, he was considered a pariah in the West, yet now he was being welcomed as a friend and partner on American soil.
A surprising moment occurred during Putin’s departure. Instead of using his state vehicle, he rode with Trump in the US President’s armored limousine to the airbase. Cameras captured Putin smiling in the back seat as the car drove off.
**Putin Faces Uncomfortable Questions**
For 25 years as Russia’s president or prime minister, Putin has maintained tight control over the media, stifling journalistic freedom and spreading disinformation. In Russia, he rarely faces tough questions from reporters. Yet, in Alaska, within minutes of his arrival, a journalist shouted, “Will you stop killing civilians?” Putin ignored the question, diverting his gaze.
The Alaska summit may not have produced tangible progress toward peace in Ukraine, but it has warmed relations between Russia and the United States. During a brief photo session, Putin faced a barrage of questions, including whether he would agree to a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin offered no direct response, only a cryptic smile.
International media gathered in Alaska, hoping Trump and Putin would take questions after the summit. Instead, the leaders gave statements without engaging with the press.
Unexpectedly, Putin spoke first, praising the constructive atmosphere of the talks and mutual respect. He briefly referenced Alaska’s history as a former Russian territory. When addressing the “Ukraine situation,” the summit’s main focus, Putin stressed that peace requires addressing the conflict’s “root causes,” a statement seen as a warning to Kyiv and others. This aligns with his long-standing demands, which include recognizing Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson as Russian
