Russian President Vladimir Putin was in Alaska when a journalist posed a question to him, and he responded with a gesture. Putin’s plane had arrived at Elmendorf-Richardson Airbase. Following his walk on a long red carpet, Putin met with Trump, who was awaiting him. When they appeared before the cameras some minutes later, Putin was immediately subjected to a series of questions.
At that moment, a journalist inquired whether Putin would halt the killings of civilians. Putin smiled and gestured toward his ear, indicating that he could not hear what was being said. As Trump and Putin met at the airport, a US military formation of aircraft passed overhead, encompassing fighter jets and a B-2 stealth bomber.
Trump shook hands with Putin and escorted him to his vehicle, known as ‘The Beast.’ Instead of traveling in his Russian convoy, Putin joined Trump in ‘The Beast.’ This visit marked Putin’s first time in America in a decade.
During his conversation with Trump in Alaska, President Putin stated that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would not have commenced if Donald Trump had remained US president in 2022. He added that the relationship between the US and Russia had been difficult and that improving the situation was now critical.
In February 2022, Putin issued orders for the deployment of 200,000 troops to Ukraine, intending to remove the existing government within a few days. Although he aimed to restore Ukraine to Russia’s influence, he was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, over the past three years, Russia has acquired control of 22% of Ukraine.
Putin’s Demands to End the Conflict:
1. Ukraine’s foreign and defense policies should conform to Russian interests following the war.
2. Russia will retain control of the occupied territories (Luhansk, Kherson, Crimea).
3. Ukraine should not be granted membership in NATO.
4. The sanctions imposed by Western nations must be lifted.
5. Russia wants new deals with American and Western businesses to stimulate its economy.