In a shift, Trump now aligns more closely with Putin than allies in Europe in calling for final talks before a ceasefire

Talks between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have ended after more than two and a half hours. The leaders met in a three-on-three meeting along with top advisers a for high-stakes summit in Alaska that could determine the trajectory of the war in Ukraine and the fate of European security.

The highly anticipated summit ended without a breakthrough. Afterwards, Trump said Ukraine and Russia should proceed straight to seeking a full peace deal instead of a cease-fire.

Russian President Putin speeches during their joint press conference with U.S. Persident Donald Trump after their meeing on war in Ukraine at U.S. Air Base In Alaska on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage,

President Trump’s break from a strategy agreed to with European allies could give President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia an edge as talks to end the fighting continue.

A look at some moments in Anchorage, Alaska, where President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have arrived, with delegations in tow, for a high-stakes summit on the war in Ukraine.

The interaction between the two leaders was closely watched not only for diplomatic outcomes, but also for the physical cues exchanged during their greeting.

US President Donald Trump handed Vladimir Putin a special item at their Alaska summit: a letter written by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, pleading for the Russian leader to make peace in the name of children.