President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an unusually warm welcome on 15/8, complete with several honors, as the two prepared for their summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

Four American stealth fighters escorted Putin's Il-96-300PU as it entered Alaskan airspace. While not required, the escort demonstrated respect and emphasized the relationship between the two countries.

Air Force One carrying Trump landed at Elmendorf-Richardson first. However, the American president remained on board, speaking with the Alaskan governor for about 30 minutes until Putin's plane landed.

This diplomatic choreography ensured both leaders disembarked almost simultaneously, projecting an image of equal footing. They greeted each other on a red carpet on the tarmac, with Trump applauding as Putin approached.

Trump extended his hand, and the two presidents shook hands, patted each other's elbows, and chatted and laughed.

As they walked the red carpet, Trump gestured with outstretched arms, seemingly showcasing the scale of the event and the waiting press. For a few seconds, Trump appeared to emphasize American power with a military display.

A formation of a B-2 bomber and 4 F-35 fighters flew overhead. Both leaders paused to watch. Ignoring shouted questions from reporters, they proceeded to a platform marked "Alaska 2025" for a photo opportunity and another handshake.

This display may have been intended to remind Putin of American military might. It also highlighted the stark contrast between Trump's reception of Putin and his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

No such welcome was extended to Zelensky during his US visit in February. Trump later engaged in a heated exchange with the Ukrainian president at the White House. Washington briefly withheld military aid to Kyiv before Zelensky attempted to reconcile with Trump.

This illustrates the effort Trump invested in welcoming Putin, especially given the tensions between the two nations.

President Trump welcomes President Putin in Alaska on 15/8. *Image: AP*

In another surprising move, Trump invited Putin into his presidential limousine, "The Beast," for a short ride to the meeting venue. The trip lasted less than 10 minutes, during which the two leaders spoke privately without aides or translators.

Released photos show Putin smiling as he sits with Trump in the vehicle.

In the meeting room, the leaders sat before a blue backdrop with the words "Pursuing Peace"—a somewhat vague theme, perhaps designed to downplay expectations of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

The meeting was held in a three-on-three format instead of the initially planned one-on-one. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff joined Trump, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy advisor, accompanied Putin.

Trump and Putin made no statements and took no questions during the photo opportunity. Reporters were then ushered out for the leaders to begin their talks. Trump's lack of a statement was notable. He typically speaks extensively before such meetings, whether at the White House or abroad.

In a post-summit press conference, Trump declared the talks with Putin "extremely productive," but said "more needs to be done" to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump stated they "made some progress and had great advancements," but added that "no agreements have been reached." He affirmed he would soon meet with NATO for further discussions and would invite Zelensky to participate. "The ultimate decision is up to them," Trump said.

Presidents Putin and Trump in "The Beast" in Alaska on 15/8. *Image: NBC News*

The Russian and American leaders quickly concluded the press conference and left without taking questions, unusual for Trump, who typically relishes press conferences.

Russian Senator Natalia Kosikhina viewed Trump's warm welcome as evidence of "high mutual trust" and readiness for open dialogue.

However, the reception drew criticism. "For me, these ceremonies are for allies, not a country the US considers an adversary," remarked former US ambassador to Russia John Sullivan.

"Trump bent over backward to accommodate Putin, letting him speak first, riding with him in his personal vehicle, and rolling out the red carpet for one of America's greatest adversaries. We seem to have gotten nothing in return," said Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Georgetown University professor Charles Kupchan welcomed the summit on Ukraine but believed Trump would "hand Putin a victory" without concrete progress.

Trump and Putin at the joint press conference after the Alaska summit on 15/8. *Image: AP*

According to Kupchan, Trump erred by holding the summit prematurely, before a clear path to ending the conflict emerged. "Putin has escaped isolation. He came to the US to sit with the American president," Kupchan said.

The summit also bought Putin time and helped Russia avoid the sanctions pressure Trump had previously threatened. Experts suggest Putin can now be confident that Trump is once again on his side.

Vu Hoang (*Via AP, Reuters, Foreign Policy, Washington Post*)