US President Donald Trump is about to meet Russian despot Vladimir Putin in Alaska. At around 8:20 p.m. German time, the government plane Air Force One landed at the US military base Elmendorf near Anchorage, Alaska. And Putin is also on his way.

The countdown is already historic: For the first time since the start of Russia's war of aggression, a US president will negotiate with the Russian leader. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not been invited.

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US President Donald Trump has landed on Air Force One at the US military base in Elmendorf, Alaska.

Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is not allowed to attend the meeting with Putin, according to CNN. The reason: Kellogg is considered"too pro-Ukrainian" by the Kremlin.

Dozens of plane spotters are in the mountains of Anchorage, photographing the planes carrying Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which are expected to land at any moment. Visibility is hazy, and it's now raining.

August 15, 2025 - 8:12 p.m.

Now the leaf blowers are coming.

The Americans are apparently continuing to put the finishing touches on the Elmendorf military base in Alaska.

After the reception platform was just cleaned with a handheld vacuum cleaner, additional specialists are now arriving with leaf blowers and brooms. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, however, are nowhere to be seen yet – but it's likely only a matter of minutes.

On the stage where Trump and Putin will later hold their press conference, the words"Pursuing Peace" are written. That is apparently the official motto of the summit in Alaska.

August 15, 2025 - 8:05 p.m.

Last-minute preparations for Putin's arrival

A hive of activity at the Elmendorf military base in Alaska: The Americans are making final preparations for the arrival of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

The platform set up between four F-22 fighter jets is being thoroughly vacuumed with an extension cord. A red carpet is being rolled out and meticulously arranged.

Initially, the Russian propaganda reporters complained about the makeshift accommodations and breakfast: They were supposedly only served tuna with mayo in Alaska. Now they are in the press center, enjoying burgers and fruit salad, reports the Russian news agency Tass.

On the way to Alaska, US President Donald Trump told journalists that Russia would not do any new business with the US as long as the war in Ukraine continued. He added that Russia wanted a piece of the pie because of its poor economic situation.

August 15, 2025 - 7:51 p.m.

Shortly before direct talks between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for a three-way meeting."Real solutions are possible precisely in this format," Zelenskyy said in his evening video message. Russia must end the war it started against its country. Ukraine needs security guarantees and a lasting peace.