Trump and Putin Shake Hands Amid Alaska Summit Protests

Trump and Putin Shake Hands at High-Stakes Alaska Summit

In a highly anticipated moment, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump shook hands as they met in Anchorage, Alaska, for a critical US-Russia summit. The encounter, captured by international media, showed the two leaders exchanging smiles and brief pleasantries before posing for photographs. The historic handshake took place on a red carpet, symbolizing the delicate diplomacy between the two nations despite rising global tensions.

Air Force One, carrying Trump, touched down in Alaska shortly before Putin’s arrival. As the two leaders stepped off their planes, they were greeted by a carefully orchestrated display of diplomatic formality. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe accompanied Trump, underscoring the significance of the meeting.

Public Outrage Over Putin’s Presence

However, not everyone welcomed the summit. Large protests erupted in Anchorage, with demonstrators condemning Trump’s decision to invite Putin, who faces accusations of war crimes in Ukraine. Protesters flooded the streets, waving Ukrainian flags and holding signs demanding justice.

Thomas Zaniglo, a military veteran among the protesters, stated, “Civilized nations should never reward military aggression.” His words echoed the frustration of many who believe Putin should be held accountable rather than honored with diplomatic engagements.

Pam Barbeau, 75, wore a blue-and-yellow Ukrainian T-shirt in solidarity. “This is about Ukraine—it’s their country, not ours,” she said. “President Zelensky should have been here from the start.” The exclusion of Ukraine’s leader from peace talks fueled anger, with many seeing it as a betrayal of democratic values.

Marilyn Lambert, 67, voiced her fears: “Letting a war criminal decide Ukraine’s fate is horrifying. If Putin truly wants peace, he should stop attacking. But he won’t—he’s here to please Trump.”

A Glimmer of Hope or Empty Gestures?

Despite the skepticism, some hoped for a temporary ceasefire. A Ukrainian immigrant, Mr. Lushchik, who moved to the US at six, said, “The best we can expect is a short-term truce—but even that would be progress.”

The Trump-Putin handshake may have been a diplomatic formality, but the protests highlighted deep divisions. As the world watches, the question remains: Will this summit bring real change, or is it just another political spectacle?

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