Russian lawmakers and state media on Saturday celebrated the Alaska summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump as a diplomatic success, framing the talks as a validation of Moscow’s stance on the war in Ukraine.
“The meeting in Alaska confirmed Russia’s desire for peace, long-term and fair,” said Andrei Klishas, a senior member of Putin’s ruling United Russia party. He hailed the gathering as a blow to Kyiv and its European allies, who have been pressing for an unconditional ceasefire.
“The tasks of the SMO will be accomplished either by military or diplomatic means,” Klishas added, using the Kremlin’s term for its war in Ukraine.
Although the nearly three-hour talks in Anchorage on Friday produced no breakthrough or pause in hostilities, both Trump and Putin described the meeting as “productive.” For Moscow, the optics alone carried weight.
State broadcaster Channel One emphasized the red-carpet welcome, handshakes, and extensive global coverage, noting it was the first time Trump had greeted a visiting leader at the airport.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev praised the fact that talks took place without preconditions, underscoring Moscow’s insistence that negotiations continue even as fighting rages.
Konstantin Kosachyov, chair of the Russian upper house foreign affairs committee, said the summit’s “tone and outcome represent a significant and joint success for both presidents.”
Not all commentary was positive, however. The pro-war War Gonzo channel noted that despite strong rhetoric from Putin, the summit produced “no visible outcomes beyond the mere fact that it took place.” One contributor warned that Russia risked stalling its military campaign in exchange for “endless talks” with uncertain results.
The mixed reactions highlight how Moscow is attempting to spin the Alaska summit as a diplomatic victory while managing domestic expectations, even as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year with no resolution in sight.
Written By Rodney Mbua
