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Unexpected B-2 Bomber Flyover Above Russian President Putin in Alaska

الجمعة 15 أغسطس 2025 11:56 مـ 21 صفر 1447 هـ
Unexpected B-2 Bomber Flyover Above Russian President Putin in Alaska

Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Alaska witnessed what many described as a surprising flyover of U.S. B-2 stealth bombers at the very moment U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Friday, August 15, 2025, in what was described as the most important negotiations between the West and Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

The summit began at 8:30 p.m. GMT, with Trump greeting Putin on the red carpet amid tight security measures. A video released by the White House showed a warm handshake between the two leaders, followed by them getting into the presidential limousine — known as The Beast — to head to the meeting venue. According to the White House, the format of the talks shifted from a one-on-one meeting to an expanded session attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, in a move described by CNN as highly significant.

Trump focused on achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning of severe consequences if Putin failed to show seriousness in pursuing peace. He expressed hope for arranging a subsequent meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — a proposal Putin had previously rejected unless it was part of signing a final agreement. The Kremlin, for its part, confirmed that the summit’s agenda also covered broader issues such as economic cooperation and nuclear arms control, reflecting Russia’s ambition for a comprehensive dialogue between the two great powers.

The summit carried additional significance as Putin’s first visit to a Western country since the start of the war in Ukraine, and his first meeting with a U.S. president since 2021. The choice of Alaska — which was once part of Russia before being sold to the United States in the 19th century — added a symbolic dimension to the event, with echoes of the Cold War, especially as the Russian foreign minister appeared wearing a Soviet-style shirt. Trump also highlighted the importance of trade relations, saying, “I noticed that Putin is attracting businesspeople from Russia, and that’s good, but they won’t do business until we end the war.”