A European official told CNN that as soon as he learned the format of the Russia–US negotiations had changed, he felt “relieved.” Initially, a one-on-one meeting between Putin and Trump was expected; later, the White House announced that this meeting would be held in a “three-on-three” format, meaning that two important figures from each side would also take part.
The conversation between Putin and Trump lasted more than two hours. At the moment, the talks are officially proceeding in a “three-on-three” format: on the Russian side Sergei Lavrov and Yury Ushakov are present, and on the American side Marco Rubio and Steven Witkoff. In this regard, moving from the initial “one-on-one” scheme to an expanded lineup is said to have provided more balance in terms of security and protocol.
Earlier, Trump issued a firm warning: “if the negotiations are not effective, I will quickly return home.” It is emphasized that after this statement, pressure and momentum were added to the anticipated conversation, and the parties’ drive for swift results intensified. At the same time, officials spoke cautiously, also comparing the possibility of changing the format again if necessary.
Putin openly said that he is ready for a possible meeting with Zelensky. On the eve of the talks with Trump, he was asked in Russian: “Are you ready for a three-party meeting with Zelensky?” In response, the Russian president gave a brief nod. This gesture sparked broad discussion: some commentators assessed it as searching for a possible format, while others described it as a customary diplomatic neutral signal.
Putin and Trump “boasted” to each other about their airplanes. According to Reuters, Putin flew to the US on Russia’s Il-96 — and there is a reason: this airliner is not currently produced in serial production. It was said that after Western sanctions were introduced, Russia announced a plan to create 1,000 aircraft of this type by 2030 in order to reduce dependence on Boeing and Airbus. It was noted that the Il-96 that brought the president is only four years old; according to the agency’s note, the Russian leader wanted to show “the path toward building a strong and independent aviation industry.”
According to the Axios portal, the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska took place against the backdrop of an open “display of military power.” B-2 stealth bombers flew over the leaders, and F-22 fighter jets were showcased at the airfield next to the red carpet. The article stated that the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit are among the most expensive and valuable weapons in the US. These details, according to some analysts, provided a symbolic backdrop to the negotiations and were perceived as a signal aimed at showing Washington’s capability.
Meanwhile, the talks between Putin and Trump in a narrow format have ended. Journalists were asked to gather in the hall for a press conference, which indicates the likelihood that official statements will be announced in the coming hours. Putin and members of the Russian delegation left the hall where the talks were held; the conversation in the narrow format lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Russian defense minister said he was “in an excellent mood,” which is interpreted as a signal that the general spirit on Moscow’s side is not belligerent, but confident and quick-responding.
In conclusion, the European official’s comparison “I breathed a sigh of relief” clearly showed the attitude toward the change of format: not one-on-one, but an expanded “three-on-three” lineup increases the partners’ responsibility and requires more cautious language in statements. The conversation lasting more than two hours, symbolic details such as the Il-96 and the aerial demonstrations, as well as hints about a possible dialogue with Zelensky — all of this has become an important backdrop that will determine which path is chosen at the next stage. Attention is now directed to the press conference and official statements, and most importantly, to practical steps that will affect the outcome.
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The conversation between Putin and Trump lasted more than two hours. At the moment, the talks are officially proceeding in a “three-on-three” format: on the Russian side Sergei Lavrov and Yury Ushakov are present, and on the American side Marco Rubio and Steven Witkoff. In this regard, moving from the initial “one-on-one” scheme to an expanded lineup is said to have provided more balance in terms of security and protocol.
Earlier, Trump issued a firm warning: “if the negotiations are not effective, I will quickly return home.” It is emphasized that after this statement, pressure and momentum were added to the anticipated conversation, and the parties’ drive for swift results intensified. At the same time, officials spoke cautiously, also comparing the possibility of changing the format again if necessary.
Putin openly said that he is ready for a possible meeting with Zelensky. On the eve of the talks with Trump, he was asked in Russian: “Are you ready for a three-party meeting with Zelensky?” In response, the Russian president gave a brief nod. This gesture sparked broad discussion: some commentators assessed it as searching for a possible format, while others described it as a customary diplomatic neutral signal.
Putin and Trump “boasted” to each other about their airplanes. According to Reuters, Putin flew to the US on Russia’s Il-96 — and there is a reason: this airliner is not currently produced in serial production. It was said that after Western sanctions were introduced, Russia announced a plan to create 1,000 aircraft of this type by 2030 in order to reduce dependence on Boeing and Airbus. It was noted that the Il-96 that brought the president is only four years old; according to the agency’s note, the Russian leader wanted to show “the path toward building a strong and independent aviation industry.”
According to the Axios portal, the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska took place against the backdrop of an open “display of military power.” B-2 stealth bombers flew over the leaders, and F-22 fighter jets were showcased at the airfield next to the red carpet. The article stated that the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit are among the most expensive and valuable weapons in the US. These details, according to some analysts, provided a symbolic backdrop to the negotiations and were perceived as a signal aimed at showing Washington’s capability.
Meanwhile, the talks between Putin and Trump in a narrow format have ended. Journalists were asked to gather in the hall for a press conference, which indicates the likelihood that official statements will be announced in the coming hours. Putin and members of the Russian delegation left the hall where the talks were held; the conversation in the narrow format lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Russian defense minister said he was “in an excellent mood,” which is interpreted as a signal that the general spirit on Moscow’s side is not belligerent, but confident and quick-responding.
In conclusion, the European official’s comparison “I breathed a sigh of relief” clearly showed the attitude toward the change of format: not one-on-one, but an expanded “three-on-three” lineup increases the partners’ responsibility and requires more cautious language in statements. The conversation lasting more than two hours, symbolic details such as the Il-96 and the aerial demonstrations, as well as hints about a possible dialogue with Zelensky — all of this has become an important backdrop that will determine which path is chosen at the next stage. Attention is now directed to the press conference and official statements, and most importantly, to practical steps that will affect the outcome.
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