Trump hails Putin summit but no specifics on Ukraine

President Donald Trump (R) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Photo by AP

At an air base in Alaska, Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin, who stepped foot on Western soil for the first time since the attack in Ukraine, and the U.S. president entertained going soon to Moscow as the two leaders declared themselves partners again.

But Trump and Putin did not take questions in a short appearance before hundreds of reporters, with the US leader -- usually fond of wide-ranging press conferences -- only vaguely speaking of progress.

"We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to," Trump said.

"There are just a very few that are left, some are not that significant, one is probably the most significant," he said without elaborating.

"But we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there."

Putin spoke of the need for the United States and Russia to cooperate and also spoke in general terms of progress.

As he left the stage and Trump spoke of a second meeting, Putin smiled and said in English: "Next time in Moscow."

The red-carpet treatment was a stark contrast to Trump's berating of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when he met him at the White House in February.

But Trump said he would soon consult Zelensky as well as NATO leaders on his talks with the Russian leader, which went on for about three hours.

Trump invited Putin just a week ago and ensured there was some carefully choreographed drama for their first in-person meeting since 2019.

The two leaders arrived in their respective presidential jets and descended on the tarmac of an air base, with Trump clapping as Putin appeared.

Putin, undaunted, grinned widely as Trump took the unusual step of escorting him into "The Beast," the secure U.S. presidential limousine, before a meeting in a room before a screen that said -- in English only -- "Pursuing Peace."