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Did Putin just put one over on Trump at the US-Russia summit on Ukraine?

After a three-hour meeting, the Russian President projected confidence, while the American leader seemed to hang back as he announced there was “no deal”.

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U.S. President Donald Trump goes to shake hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet for a summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug 15.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Follow topic:
  • Trump and Putin met in Alaska, with Putin speaking longer and seeming more comfortable, highlighting the "root causes" of the Ukraine conflict.
  • Trump claimed a "productive meeting" with agreements on many points, but no final deal yet.
  • Experts are sceptical, noting Putin's diplomatic win simply by meeting Trump, and the need for Trump to get tough with Russia for peace.

AI generated

In a 12-minute appearance before journalists at the end of a three-hour-long summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin looked expansive, while his host Donald Trump appeared uncharacteristically restrained.

Usually the one to dominate his foreign guests, the US President let Mr Putin take the microphone first and speak for more than eight minutes.

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