President Donald Trump talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)
President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not answer questions from reporters while posing earlier today for a red carpet photo op at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
But that didn’t stop the press from asking — or rather, shouting — their questions anyway.
And in one instance, it didn’t stop Putin from gesturing in response.
“President Putin, will you agree to a ceasefire?”
“Mr. President, what’s your message to Vladimir Putin?”
“Mr. Putin, did you underestimate Ukraine?”
None of these queries provoked any real reaction from the two leaders, other than a few words to each other and a handshake for the cameras.
But then someone asked Putin if he would “stop killing civilians.”
At that, Putin grimaced, pointed to his ear — as if to suggest that he couldn’t hear — and shrugged.
Trump and Putin then exchanged a few more words, smiled and stepped into the presidential limo.
“President Putin, how can the U.S. trust your word?” a reporter shouted as Trump ushered Putin away.
The U.S. president raised his hand, as if to wave goodbye or signal “that’s enough” — and an aide said, “Thank you, press.”
Putin was again asked about “killing civilians” during a second photo op with additional U.S. and Russian officials, and he again reacted — this time by narrowing his eyes skeptically, cupping his hands around his mouth and addressing the reporter directly (though inaudibly to the microphones).