Putin Comments on Meeting with Trump

Putin described the approximately three-hour-long talks with his U.S. counterpart in Alaska as constructive and beneficial, emphasizing that resolving the Ukraine crisis was a primary topic discussed with Trump.

According to Rokna, citing TASS and the Kremlin, Putin made these remarks on Friday local time (early Saturday Tehran time) during a joint press conference with Trump at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Russian president expressed hope that the agreements reached in Alaska would mark a new chapter for resolving the Ukraine issue and restoring Russia-U.S. relations.

Russia Interested in Ending Ukraine Crisis

Putin highlighted Russia’s interest in ending the Ukraine crisis and indicated Moscow’s readiness to cooperate on Kyiv’s security. He said, “I have stated more than once that the events in Ukraine are directly linked to fundamental threats to our national security. Moreover, we have always regarded the people of Ukraine as our brothers, and this remains true today, even if it seems unusual under current circumstances. We share common roots, and every misfortune affecting them is a great tragedy for us.”

He added, “Russia is keen to end the current situation. At the same time, we are convinced that for a sustainable and long-term resolution in Ukraine, all root causes of the crisis, which have been repeatedly discussed, must be addressed, all legitimate Russian concerns considered, and a fair security balance established in Europe and globally.”

Putin affirmed, “I agree with President Trump, who today said that Ukraine’s security must also be guaranteed. We are ready to work on this issue and hope that the understanding we have reached will bring us closer to this goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine.”

Hopes for Constructive Reception by Kyiv and Europe

The Russian president also expressed expectations that Kyiv and European capitals understand these developments constructively, do not create obstacles, and refrain from behind-the-scenes schemes that might disrupt progress.

A New Chapter in Moscow-Washington Relations

Putin called for opening a new chapter in U.S.-Russia relations and returning to a cooperative track, noting that relations had deteriorated to their lowest level since the Cold War. He emphasized that it was necessary to move from confrontation to dialogue and described the meeting as long overdue, requiring serious and diligent preparation.

He noted that direct contacts with Trump had been very productive, including multiple phone calls and meetings involving U.S. special representative Steve Vitkoff, as well as regular communications between foreign policy officials of both countries.

Putin stressed that the Ukraine conflict was a central issue in these contacts and acknowledged the U.S. administration’s willingness, including Trump’s, to facilitate resolution and understand the root causes of the crisis. He expressed gratitude to Trump for the friendly and reliable tone of their discussions and emphasized that both sides were determined to achieve results.

He highlighted that Trump demonstrated concern for his country’s well-being while acknowledging Russia’s national interests. Putin recalled that in early 2022, he had attempted to persuade the previous U.S. administration under Joe Biden that military escalation was unnecessary and a grave mistake. He remarked that Trump indicated no war would have occurred if he had been president, a statement Putin affirmed, noting the excellent, trust-based rapport he shares with Trump.

Putin added that bilateral trade under Trump had increased and that the two countries have potential cooperation areas ranging from technology to the Arctic. He thanked Trump for maintaining confidentiality in their talks and expressed hope that their agreements would pave the way for peace in Ukraine.

Alaska Meeting Logical, Neighborly Welcome

The Russian president described the Alaska meeting as logical, noting that Russia and the United States are neighbors. He added that Trump welcomed him as a neighboring leader and thanked the U.S. for respectfully commemorating Soviet soldiers buried in Alaska.

Next Meeting in Moscow?

During the press conference, Putin, speaking in English, suggested to Trump that the next meeting could be in Moscow. Trump responded that, despite criticism, such a visit was possible.

Neither Putin nor Trump answered journalists’ questions beyond their statements on the outcomes of the meeting. Reports indicate that Putin left Alaska around 3:30 a.m. Tehran time on Saturday.

The Russian president had arrived in Alaska on Friday local time (late Friday, 24 Mordad 1404 Tehran time) and was immediately welcomed by Trump.

This was the first meeting between U.S. and Russian presidents since the start of military confrontation between Moscow and Kyiv in February 2022 (Esfand 1400).

The meeting followed six phone calls since February 2025 (Bahman 1403) after Trump’s re-election, as well as two negotiation tracks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Istanbul, Turkey, aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict and normalizing Moscow-Washington relations.

Russian and U.S. foreign ministers, who had met twice under the Riyadh talks and on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, also held a phone conversation on 21 Mordad 1404, emphasizing the successful conduct of the Putin-Trump meeting.