Trump did not speak to the media before boarding the plane. He simply turned, waved, and entered.
Even before his departure, the president posted on the social network Truth Social:"HIGH VOLTAGE!!!"
According to NBC News sources, Russian President V. Putin will be given a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Alaska - US President D. Trump will personally greet him on the red carpet.
"A red carpet is expected to be rolled out for the Russian president's arrival at a U.S. air base in Alaska on Friday, and Trump plans to greet the Russian leader upon arrival," the article said, citing two senior administration officials.
At the same time, officials stressed that the exact details and script of the meeting are still being worked out. Another source added that Trump does not plan to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or European leaders before Friday's meeting with Putin, but he could change his mind during the seven-hour flight from Washington to Anchorage, Alaska.
Russia is heading to a summit with the United States in Alaska with a clear position, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. After landing in Anchorage on Thursday evening, Lavrov told state-run Russian television station Rossiya 24 that he did not want to speculate on the outcome of the meeting."We know that we have arguments, a clear and understandable position. We will present it," he said.
Many issues related to the meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, according to Lavrov, were discussed during the visit of American negotiator Steve Witkoff to Moscow last week. We hope to continue"this useful conversation," he added.
Having arrived in Alaska a little earlier, S. Lavrov had already attracted the attention of the world's media: under a black down vest, he was wearing a white sweater with the words CCCP - the Russian abbreviation for the name of the Soviet Union.
Trump plans to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine and an end to the war at the meeting. Putin, who ordered Russia to invade the neighboring country, has so far refused to make any compromises.
Reminded about sanctions
Later, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president introduced the upcoming Alaska summit and, speaking of Putin, emphasized:"There's respect on both sides, and I think, you know, something will come of it."
Trump answered several questions about possible details of a deal to end the war. Asked if the deal could include a swap of territory between Russia and Ukraine, he said:"I have to let Ukraine make that decision."
Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that he will not agree to cede any territory to Russia. European leaders have warned that such a concession could encourage Moscow to attack other countries.
"Look, Vladimir Putin wanted to take over all of Ukraine. If I weren't president, he would take over all of Ukraine right now, but that's not going to happen," Trump added.
Speaking about possible security guarantees for Ukraine, he called them"a possibility."
"Together with Europe and other countries, but not in a NATO format," he explained."There are certain things that will not happen. But yes, together with Europe there is a possibility [to provide security guarantees]."
Trump also lavished compliments on Putin, calling him a"smart guy" and assuring him that they get along well.
"I've noticed that he's bringing a lot of business people from Russia, and that's good. I like that because they want to do business, but they won't do it until we stop the war," Trump added.
He also reaffirmed his previous threat to impose sanctions on Russia for its failure to seriously negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
"Economically tough. It's going to be very tough. I'm not doing this for my health, well, I don't need it. I'd like to focus on my country, but I'm doing this to save a lot of lives," Trump stressed.
