Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally suggested that the next round of face-to-face discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump should be hosted in Moscow, the Russian capital. His remarks came shortly after the two leaders wrapped up a tense yet highly anticipated summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, a meeting that was widely billed as a potential turning point in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Despite the heavy expectations, the high-stakes talks ended without a concrete ceasefire deal or a roadmap toward ending hostilities, leaving global audiences watching for the next step.
At the conclusion of their joint press appearance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, President Trump expressed gratitude toward his Russian counterpart for attending the summit and hinted at further engagements on the horizon. “We’ll probably meet again soon,” Trump told the gathered press corps, trying to strike an optimistic tone even as major sticking points remained unresolved. Putin, who had been mostly reserved throughout the closing statements, surprised many when he switched briefly to English and interjected: “Next time in Moscow.” His direct invitation immediately drew attention and fueled speculation over whether Trump might travel to Russia for bilateral talks in the near future.
Trump, flashing a characteristic smile, appeared to acknowledge both the diplomatic opportunity and the political controversy such a visit would spark back home. “Oh, that’s an interesting one. I’ll get a little heat on that one, but I could see it possibly happening,” the U.S. president replied, eliciting laughter and a flurry of camera flashes from the audience. Political analysts quickly noted that a potential Trump trip to Moscow would mark one of the most symbolic gestures in U.S.-Russia relations since the Cold War era.
Shortly after the conclusion of the press event, both leaders departed Anchorage under tight security arrangements. Putin boarded his aircraft following a solemn stop at the Fort Richardson Memorial Cemetery, where he paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Trump, meanwhile, departed on Air Force One for the six-hour flight back to Washington, where aides suggested he would be briefing NATO allies and holding follow-up calls with European leaders over the weekend.
The Alaska summit had been framed by the White House as a crucial opportunity to hammer out the framework for a ceasefire in Ukraine, which has now dragged into a prolonged and devastating conflict. Ahead of the talks, Trump had warned of “severe consequences” should Putin fail to make meaningful commitments toward halting the war. However, during his post-summit remarks, Trump refrained from announcing any new sanctions or military measures, instead insisting that progress had been made behind closed doors. He described the discussions as “productive and frank,” but conceded that major hurdles still stood in the way of a breakthrough.
One unresolved issue highlighted by observers was the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the Alaska meeting. While Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of involving Ukraine directly in negotiations, the proposed trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskyy remains unscheduled. “We’ll speak to you very soon, and probably see you again very soon,” Trump said, addressing Putin directly, though he left unclear when or where Zelenskyy might join the table. This ambiguity underscored the delicate balance Trump faces in trying to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv while managing expectations from NATO and the European Union.
As both leaders prepare for possible follow-up talks, Putin’s invitation for the next meeting to take place in Moscow is likely to intensify debate across Washington and European capitals. While some see it as a bold opportunity for diplomacy, critics argue it could send the wrong signal by elevating Russia’s position on the global stage without firm concessions. For now, the world watches closely, waiting to see whether Trump will take up Putin’s offer and whether the next handshake will be on American or Russian soil.