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As President Putin disembarked from his plane, Trump was seen waiting at the red carpet.
The welcome drew swift condemnation from lawmakers (Reuters Image)
The highly anticipated summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn global attention and sharp controversy. The meeting, touted by Trump as a potential turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war, is being closely watched for any signs of diplomatic progress. However, the optics and implications of the encounter have already sparked intense backlash at home.
As President Putin disembarked from his plane, Trump was seen waiting at the red carpet, applauding warmly as the Russian leader approached. In a move criticised by many, Trump also appeared to shield Putin from probing questions by the press, particularly those regarding alleged war crimes and civilian casualties in Ukraine.
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The welcome drew swift condemnation from lawmakers. US Representative Jim McGovern labeled the reception “shameful and embarrassing,” writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Trump rolls out the red carpet for a war criminal. On American soil. The U.S. government should be arresting Putin, not hosting him.”
Trump rolls out the red carpet for a war criminal. On American soil. The U.S. government should be arresting Putin, not hosting him. Shameful and embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/gBj1pDMmcY— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) August 15, 2025
Senator Chris Murphy also expressed concern over the symbolic weight of the meeting. Speaking to MSNBC, Murphy warned, “My worry is that while the photo-op in and of itself essentially legitimises war crimes, [it] telegraphs to other autocrats or evil men around the world that they can get away with murdering civilians and still get a photo-op with the president of the United States. It could get worse.”
Despite the controversy, Trump remains hopeful. While no formal agreement is expected today, Trump has previously stated that any deal would require Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s participation. He hinted at a possible trilateral summit if initial talks with Putin show promise.
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