Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to respond and opted for silence when questioned by reporters at the Alaska airport if he would consider accepting a ceasefire as he sits down with US President Donald Trump to negotiate a potential peace agreement to cease the Ukraine war.
When asked if he would “cease killing civilians,” Putin seemed to mime that he could not quite hear the question. The exchange was brief, occurring moments after his arrival, and highlighted the strained air surrounding the high-stakes negotiations.
BREAKING: A reporter just asked Vladimir Putin TO HIS FACE if he can commit to not killing any more civilians. This is stunning. Putin is never asked these questions in Russia. Journalists are killed over it. We can’t take this freedom for granted. pic.twitter.com/LqaGJ8Oe86
— Trump Lie Tracker (Commentary) (@MAGALieTracker) August 15, 2025
Leaders Exchange Greetings Before Talks Begin
Before the meeting, Trump and Putin greeted each other and exchanged a handshake at Alaska’s military base. The two leaders have a closed-door session with a view to establishing if a ceasefire can be achieved in the war in Ukraine.
ALSO READ: Trump, Putin Arrive in Alaska to Tackle Russia-Ukraine Conflict in Peace Talks
In what is their first meeting in some six years, Trump and Putin sat in silence with their delegations off to the side, in front of a blue screen that bore the phrase “Pursuing Peace.”
Rubio, the secretary of state, was present on the U.S. side, as was Trump’s special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff. The fact that they attended represents Washington’s desire to engage the talks with a combination of diplomatic and strategic thinking.
Trump Makes Intentions Clear about Ceasefire
Before departing for Alaska, Trump had made his intentions clear. He indicated he was “not going to be happy” if a ceasefire did not occur at the conclusion of the meeting.
“I want to see a ceasefire quickly. I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today. I want the killing to stop,” Trump stated aboard Air Force One.
U.S. President also underscored that Ukraine would make the final decisions regarding any possible territorial exchanges, pointing out that he wasn’t there to bargain for them. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” Trump said.
The Alaska summit is the subject of international interest, and the result is bound to define the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the overall U.S.-Russia relationship.
