Both President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered brief remarks, but took no questions, in Alaska.

The net effect of the Alaska summit was to give President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia a free pass to continue his war against his neighbor indefinitely without further penalty, pending talks on a broader peace deal.

It was a welcome tailored for a close friend, not a war criminal, and it looked to the Ukrainians like their nightmare.

President Donald Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska with a red carpet on the tarmac, military flyover, friendly handshakes and a short ride in his presidential limousine.