Trump Arrives in Anchorage, Meets Putin as Historic Talks Begin

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a highly anticipated face-to-face meeting. The moment, captured by cameras and watched by millions around the globe, marks the official start of one of the most closely monitored diplomatic engagements in recent years.

Trump’s aircraft landed at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport just hours after Putin’s arrival. The U.S. president was seen stepping off the plane to a formal reception, before making his way directly to meet the Russian leader. Smiling and shaking hands, the two leaders exchanged brief pleasantries in front of the press before retreating behind closed doors for private talks.

The Anchorage meeting is expected to cover a broad range of pressing issues — from trade agreements and global economic cooperation to security concerns and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Senior officials from both governments are present, with aides signaling that discussions will be “comprehensive and candid.”

Political analysts say the fact that this meeting is taking place on U.S. soil, in Alaska’s strategic location between Russia and the continental United States, adds a layer of symbolic importance. It underscores both the geographic and political crossroads at which U.S.–Russia relations currently stand.

Security in Anchorage has been heightened, with roads closed, airspace restricted, and law enforcement agencies working alongside Secret Service and Russian security teams to ensure a smooth event. The city has seen an influx of media personnel, political observers, and curious onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of the historic encounter.

While official statements on the talks’ progress are expected later in the day, experts note that the body language and tone of the first meeting could offer early clues about the direction of future U.S.–Russia relations. For now, all eyes remain on Anchorage as Trump and Putin settle in for what could be hours of high-stakes diplomacy.