Co-Based (AP) of Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska – The red carpet first appears, followed by warm handshakes, friendly smiles and military planes flying overhead.
Finally, the President Donald Trump and Russian leaders Vladimir Putin We climbed into the back seat of President Trump’s limousine and casually chatted like friends they met when they were chased away. Talk about the Russian-Ukraine War.
It was a perfect greeting for the closest US allies. But instead, they launched the largest land war in Europe since World War II, America’s most troublesome enemy.
Trump repeatedly begged President Putin To end the Ukrainian invasion and agree to a ceasefire after he insisted in last year’s campaign You can end the conflict In 24 hours. Trump has revealed in recent weeks that he has been unhappy with Russia’s attacks over three years old, threatening additional sanctions on Friday, as well as “serious consequences” if he doesn’t make it.
However, the tension between the two leaders was not evident from their clenched hands and smiles and the limousine rides shared.
In a carefully choreographed scene at a military base in Alaska, the men emerged from each plane almost simultaneously and walked shoulder-to-shoulder along the red carpet, which had been spread out by tarmac.
Trump wore a ruby red tie. Putin was wearing Burgundy.
Trump praised Putin while waiting for a greeting. His hands were extended as President Putin approached, and the two exchanged long handshakes, patted each other’s elbows, chatted and laughed.
Just as they greeted each other Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson At Anchorage, the F-22S Fighter Jet and B-2 bombers flew overhead in a show of force.
The Stealth Warpoon is partly designed for the possibility of conflict with the Soviet Union. Although neither plane entered active service until the Cold War ended, their development began in the 1970s and 1980s during US-Soviet rivalries.
The two men ignored screaming questions from reporters as they stood on a platform decorated with the words “Alaska 2025” for the hassle of the photo and another handshake.
“President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?” he cried. Putin gestured into his ear, suggesting that he could not hear the question.
Trump, as a host, gestured to Putin that it was time to go, pointing him to where the US Presidential Limousine was waiting. They entered the back seat and could see them chatting through the dark window.
Putin smirked as the motorcade pulled away.
The gorgeous and military planes may have been intended to remind Russian leaders of the power of the US military. But they also highlighted the dramatic contrast between Putin’s treatment of Trump and the Ukrainian president. Volodymyr Zelenskyyour ally of Trump He was accused of being “disrespectful” During an extraordinary oval office meeting in February.
The visit ended without signing a planned transaction that allowed the US to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and hold joint press conferences. Zelensky was asked by a Top Trump advisor to leave the White House shortly after Trump yelled at him.
“You’re gambling with World War II. What you’re doing is very rude to this country. Much more countries are supporting you than many people say they should say,” Trump told Zelensky after Ukrainian leaders warned that Putin could not be trusted.
Since then, Trump has expressed more frustration with Putin when the Russian strike against Ukraine unfolded. “Vladimir, stop it!” Declaring Russian leadership on social media “It’s definitely crazy!”
But most of that frustration was not visible on Friday between the two leaders who had long been friendly.
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Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press Writer Matthew Lee from Washington contributed to the report.
