Is the Western Media Losing Its Mind Over the Putin-Trump Meeting?

Moscow, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Western media, which has been proclaiming Russia's isolation for three years, finds itself in a state of turmoil, teetering on the edge of complete madness, especially in light of the ceremonial meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska, as reported by state media citing the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson.

This observation was made by official representative Maria Zakharova on her Telegram channel, reflecting on the leaders' meeting in Alaska, as reported by the TASS news agency.

"The Western media is in a state that can only be described as insanity, bordering on complete madness: they have spent three years claiming Russia's isolation, only to witness the red carpet welcoming the Russian President in the United States today," the diplomat pointed out, as per TASS.

Previously, Putin and Trump commenced a three-on-three meeting without the customary summit opening remarks available to the press.

The discussions are taking place behind closed doors.

The two leaders are seated across from each other against a backdrop featuring a wall adorned with the words "Alaska 2025" in English and the slogan "Striving for Peace".

On Friday, Putin and Trump engaged in a significant meeting at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska, which has already lasted over an hour, according to TASS.

The talks are conducted in a three-on-three format, but the leaders began their conversation on the airfield upon their arrival in Alaska, as reported by TASS.

Both leaders exited their planes almost simultaneously and entered Trump's Cadillac for a private discussion en route to the talks.

The Russian leader's aircraft landed at the military base at 21:54 Moscow time (10:54 local time), according to TASS media.

Trump's Air Force One landed shortly before.

The welcoming ceremony commenced at 22:10 Moscow time, with official negotiations involving representatives from both delegations starting 15 minutes later.

Earlier on Friday, the red carpet was meticulously cleaned before President Trump emerged from Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to meet with Putin and discuss the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.

Despite being organized in just a few days, this high-stakes meeting is unfolding with the strict protocol typically reserved for well-planned summits.

Every detail, from the timing of arrivals to the precise parking spots for the planes, has been carefully arranged.

Neither leader wants to appear to be waiting for the other. Although Trump arrived first, he remained on board until Putin was prepared to greet him.

The red carpet, a traditional symbol of respect, is flanked by displays of US military might, with four F-22 Raptor fighter jets positioned alongside it.

At events like this, no image or moment is left to chance.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov are accompanying President Putin for these momentous discussions with US President Trump.

According to reports from Russian state media, the Kremlin stated that "the Russian officials accompanying President Vladimir Putin in the talks with the US delegation will include foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov."

This follows Washington's last-minute announcement that the leaders would not be meeting privately.

Wearing his trademark red tie, Trump walked down the red carpet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and awaited Putin's arrival.

Both leaders, clad in dark suits, shook hands firmly before walking side by side down the carpet, greeted by cheers from onlookers gathered on the tarmac.

Trump offered a brief salute as US military aircraft roared overhead.

The tarmac at Elmendorf Air Base welcomed Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. A red carpet, arranged in an L-shape, leads to a platform marked "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 that approach US airspace.

According to the White House, Trump met with Alaska's two US Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Governor Mike Dunleavy.

Trump's one-on-one discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term were often shrouded in secrecy. With only a translator present, the specifics of their conversations were frequently unclear.

The addition of two aides in Friday's session—Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff—could provide more clarity following the meeting, especially if Russia presents a narrative that diverges from the US perspective.

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

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