ANCHORAGE (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin described his summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska as “constructive and respectful,” voicing hope that the talks would pave the way for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and a broader reset in bilateral ties.
“Our negotiations were very detailed and useful,” Putin told reporters at a joint press conference late Friday. “I want to thank my American colleague for the invitation to Alaska. It is logical to meet here: our countries are divided by oceans, but in reality we are close neighbors, separated only by the Bering Strait.”
The Russian leader invoked shared history, recalling cultural ties from the era of “Russian America” and cooperation during the Second World War, when US and Soviet pilots flew Lend-Lease aircraft through Alaska. “This legacy, I am sure, will help us build mutually beneficial, equal relations even in the most difficult conditions,” he said.
On Ukraine, Putin acknowledged Trump’s personal engagement, describing the conflict as a “tragedy and a deep pain” for Russia. “We see President Trump’s desire to understand the origins of the Ukrainian crisis. Russia has always considered the Ukrainian people as brotherly. Our country is sincerely interested in ending this,” he said.
But he stressed that any settlement must address “all root causes of the crisis” and ensure “a fair balance of security in Europe and worldwide.” Putin added: “I agree with President Trump that Ukraine’s security must also be guaranteed. We are ready to work on this.”
Putin urged Kyiv and European capitals to approach the talks constructively and “not try through provocations or intrigue to derail emerging progress.” He confirmed that trade between Russia and the US had already risen 20% under Trump’s administration, and suggested further cooperation in energy, technology, space exploration, and the Arctic.
“It is important to turn the page and return to cooperation,” Putin said, noting that Russia and the US “have much to offer each other.” Symbolically, he compared the moment to the International Date Line that runs between the two countries: “You can literally step from yesterday into tomorrow — and I hope we can achieve the same in politics.”
In closing, Putin expressed confidence in Trump’s leadership. “We see that the US president has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve, sincerely cares about the prosperity of his country, and at the same time recognizes Russia’s national interests,” he said.
Referring to Trump’s oft-repeated claim that Russia’s war in Ukraine would not have occurred under his first presidency, Putin remarked: “I think that is true. We have developed a very good, businesslike, and trusting contact. Moving forward along this path, we can — and the sooner, the better — reach the end of the conflict in Ukraine.”
