The stage is set in Anchorage for today’s high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders now en route to Alaska. Here are some news nuggets from the past few hours:
- Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States since May 2025 in the second Trump administration, is aboard Air Force One traveling with the president and his team as they headed north for the meeting.
- Putin, meanwhile, made a final refueling stop in Magadan, a Russian city on the Sea of Okhotsk in the country’s far east. There, he toured a local factory, met young hockey players, and laid flowers at a memorial honoring U.S.-Soviet cooperation during World War II. Magadan has been a sister city of Anchorage since 1991. In 2023, the Anchorage Assembly voted to suspend the sister city relationship due to the Russian government’s actions in Ukraine.
- Reports say Trump plans to greet Putin on the tarmac when the Russian leader’s aircraft touches down in Anchorage around 11 am local time. That report comes from British news sources. It has not been reported where Putin’s plane will land, but it is likely to land at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and be positioned in the South Park area.
- Trump was asked about a “land swap” concept, where Ukraine and Russia could exchange territory as part of a peace compromise. Trump said, “I’d have to let Ukraine decide.” Russia currently occupies nearly 114,500 square kilometers, about 19% of Ukraine, according to open-source battlefield maps, including Crimea and swaths of eastern and southeastern territory. Ukraine President Zelenskyy insists Ukraine will never recognize Russian control over its land; most nations recognize its 1991 borders.
- The Russian delegation has brought both symbolism and political trolling to Anchorage. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Anchorage wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “CCCP,” the acronym for the Soviet Union, a gesture widely interpreted as a jab at the United States. Lavrov wore the shirt in public and conducted media interviews in it ahead of today’s talks.
- Some Russian journalists in Anchorage are staying in makeshift quarters inside the lobby of the Alaska Airlines Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Instead of hotel rooms, they have been given small cots — two per cubicle and their room walls are curtains. Meanwhile, the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel is reported to be packed with Russian officials and staff.
- Among other sightings: Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, was spotted dining at Jens’ Restaurant in Midtown Anchorage. And five members of the Russian entourage were seen at a Walmart purchasing vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, and Heineken.
With hours to go before the summit, we’ll provide more updates throughout the day at Must Read Alaska.
“……. five members of the Russian entourage were seen at a Walmart purchasing vodka, Johnnie Walker Black, and Heineken………”
I hope they appreciate the punitive, socialist Alaska alcohol tax.
GO TRUMP!!!!
LET ME GUESS, lisa. IS A NO SHOW…
THANK YOU SUZANNE FOR PUTTING UP WITH ALL OF US & GUIDING ALL IN THE GOOD STUFF DIRECTION FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL MA’AM. TAKE GODS NATION BACK ALL ARE CALLED TO MAGA
I am praying that all goes well and that no one does anything stupid/dangerous or does anything to embarrass the USA. I hope I’m not asking too much.
Why has Putin’s entourage totaled more than 400 people (based on their visa applications)? And how much is this summit costing the US? I assume Russia will pay little or nothing for this event. Details, please.
Do you know how much money we’ve sent to Ukraine with zero accountability? Billions.
Those Russians should have brought their own vodka, they are going to be disappointed when they get to their hotel and start with their traditional series of 3 straight shots.
What we call vodka, they will use for lighter fluid.
How is it a jab at the United States to wear a ‘CCCP’ shirt? I think it’s hilarious that they’re reminding us that we defeated them in the Cold War.
Russians have national pride (at least some do) Dems could learn from that.
It will be an interesting day.
Lisa? Oh Lisa?? WHERE ART THOU? Can’t stand winning?
I sincerely hope that all the summit-related participants and visitors, as well as the out-of-state media, make notable mention and gives notable views of the decrepit condition of Los Anchorage, and the massive vagrant zombie population fostered by the Marxist Ten (nine on the assembly, plus the mayor), giving Los Anchorage a massive and well-deserved black eye.
Trump said, “I’d have to let Ukraine decide.”
Seems a tad presumptuous for a guy that doesn’t have any risk, any reward, and not even any skin in the game.
When given a chance to show he can actually “deal” – Trump managed to get rolled by Vladimir. So much for that coveted Peace Prize. Perhaps DOGE can let us know how much this “nothingburger” cost us.
What color is the sky on your planet??
“…….Curtains open on political theater in Alaska, as Trump and Putin take center stage……..”
Now in the rear view mirror, your headline was perfectly worded, Suzanne. It was nothing but theater, a complete waste of time, and more Putin gaming. But we can be thankful, because it could have been worse.
Someone should have worn a 1980 USA hockey jersey to counter the CCCP sweatshirt.