Anchorage (Alaska), Aug 16 (NationPress) The leaders of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, convened a significant meeting on Friday at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base located in Anchorage, Alaska, which spanned over an hour, according to media reports.

The discussions were structured in a three-on-three format; however, the two leaders initiated their dialogue on the airfield following their arrivals in Alaska, as reported by TASS.

Both leaders exited their aircraft nearly simultaneously and entered Trump’s Cadillac, where they held a private conversation en route to the discussions.

Putin’s aircraft landed at the military base at 21:54 Moscow time (10:54 local time), TASS reported.

Trump's “Air Force One” arrived shortly before.

The welcoming ceremony on the airfield commenced at 22:10 Moscow time, and the formal negotiations with the delegations from both countries began 15 minutes later.

Earlier that day, the red carpet was meticulously prepared before President Trump disembarked from Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to engage with Putin regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Despite being organized within a few days, this high-stakes meeting is proceeding with the strict protocol typically associated with extensively planned summits.

Every aspect, from the timing of arrivals to the designated parking spots for the aircraft, has been thoroughly arranged.

Neither leader wishes to appear as if they are waiting for the other. Although Trump arrived first, he stayed on board until Putin was ready to greet him.

The red carpet, a customary symbol of respect, is also flanked by a display of U.S. military might, with four F-22 Raptor fighter jets positioned alongside it.

At such events, every image or moment is meticulously orchestrated.

Accompanying President Putin for these pivotal discussions are Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov.

According to Russian state media, the Kremlin stated, “The Russian officials accompanying President Vladimir Putin in the discussions with the U.S. delegation will include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov.”

This follows Washington's last-minute announcement that the leaders would not meet in isolation.

Sporting his iconic red tie, Trump walked down the red carpet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, awaiting Putin's arrival.

Both leaders, dressed in dark suits, engaged in a firm handshake before proceeding side by side down the carpet, receiving cheers from the onlookers gathered on the tarmac.

Trump offered a brief salute as U.S. military aircraft flew overhead.

The tarmac at Elmendorf Air Base welcomed Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. A red carpet, arranged in an L-shape, leads towards a platform labeled “ALASKA 2025”. Lining the carpet are four F-22 Raptor fighter jets, a striking sight given that squadrons stationed at Elmendorf are tasked with intercepting Russian aircraft approaching U.S. airspace.

The White House reported that Trump met with Alaska's two U.S. Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, as well as Governor Mike Dunleavy.

Trump's private meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term were often shrouded in a veil of secrecy. With only a translator present, it was frequently unclear what was discussed.

The inclusion of two aides in Friday's session — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff — may provide greater clarity following the meeting, especially if Russia presents a narrative that diverges from the U.S. account.

The White House has confirmed that Trump will not meet Putin alone but will be joined by Rubio and Witkoff.

The post-meeting luncheon will also include Rubio, Witkoff, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.