Trump threatened Putin; Meeting started with a smile, then… What happened behind closed doors in Alaska?

According to the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions, the meeting began with a handshake and “Trump’s smile,” but behind closed doors the atmosphere quickly became tense. Putin rejected Trump’s offer to ease sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire, insisting that the conflict would only end if Moscow’s demands were met.

“A historical lecture”

In the presence of several advisors, the Russian leader delivered what was described as a “historical lecture,” referencing Rurik, Yaroslav the Wise, and Bohdan Khmelnytsky to emphasize the “shared roots” of Russia and Ukraine.

• Rurik, a 9th-century prince, is considered the founder of the Rurik dynasty and the originator of Russian statehood in Kievan Rus.

• Yaroslav the Wise, who ruled from 978 to 1054, was one of the most significant rulers of Kievan Rus, known for strengthening the state, enacting laws, and promoting culture when Kyiv was the center of East Slavic civilization.

• Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a 17th-century Ukrainian military leader, led a rebellion against Polish rule and in 1654 forged an alliance with Moscow, bringing part of Ukraine under Russian control—a move that the Russian narrative today presents as a historical unification of the two nations.

“He was stunned”

Financial Times reports that Trump was taken aback, raised his voice several times, and ultimately walked out of the meeting, canceling the planned lunch where economic relations were to be discussed. NBC had earlier reported the dinner was canceled.

The summit, the first since the start of the war in Ukraine, did not result in a ceasefire, though Trump later described the meeting as “productive.” FT sources note that Putin used historical arguments to justify rejecting concessions, further escalating tensions.

New talks between Putin and Trump are expected within the next two weeks, potentially taking place in Budapest, Hungary.