WATCH: Trump, Putin exchange greetings in Anchorage, share rare private ride ahead of talks

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday met with a handshake and warm greetings at a military base in Alaska, marking the start of their much-anticipated summit aimed at addressing Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

#WATCH | Alaska, USA | US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchange greetings in Anchorage, ahead of their talks.

Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/mdGoQe6qqx

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

In a series of videos shared by ANI news agency, the two leaders are seen exchanging pleasantries before Putin joins Trump in his presidential limousine, departing the tarmac together en route to their summit venue.

#WATCH | Alaska, USA | US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin share the same car to reach the venue for their talks.

Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/X9YkJvqb6g

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

#WATCH | Alaska, USA | US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Anchorage, focused on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/cTIBaHDNPs

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

According to a CNN report, the move is unusual, particularly for an adversary.

When Trump wanted North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to join him in his car during their meeting in Singapore in 2018, aides talked him out of it, added the report.

But this is a different chapter for Trump, marked by new advisers and shifting goals.

Although their face-to-face meeting now includes key aides, the fact that Trump and Putin shared a private car ride suggests they will still have a moment alone — even if brief.

The Trump-Putin talks are drawing intense global attention — especially from European nations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not included in the meeting and has firmly rejected pressure from Trump to concede territory seized by Russia.

With inputs from agencies