A behind-the-scenes video released by Russian state-run network RT appears to show President Donald Trump in a notably friendly exchange with Vladimir Putin during their recent meeting in Alaska. The footage, shared by the Kremlin, captures Trump and Putin standing together backstage shortly after delivering public remarks following a three-hour discussion.
Despite walking away without any announced agreements or details on progress toward ending the war in Ukraine, Trump can be seen laughing and speaking directly with the Russian president. Only Putin’s translator was present during the interaction.
In the video, Trump initiates a handshake with Putin, then taps their joined hands with his other hand in a two-hand embrace. At the conclusion of the clip, Trump also shakes the Russian translator’s hand. The Kremlin described the scene as “light chatter,” highlighting the informal tone of the encounter.
The White House has released various clips from the Alaska visit, but has not shared candid footage of the two leaders together. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to the Daily Beast’s request for comment regarding the video.
Following the meeting, Trump spoke with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, noting that he was able to spend time alone with Putin. “He made a very good speech, and I also finished it up, and afterwards we spoke right after that,” Trump said. “We spoke very sincerely. I think he wants to see it done.”
Prior to their formal discussions, Trump invited Putin to join him in the presidential limousine, the Beast, for a ride from the tarmac in Anchorage, where the leaders initially greeted each other on a red carpet.
Observers have noted that the Kremlin has been quicker than the White House in sharing details about the meeting. Russia first announced a joint press conference and later released the backstage video showing the two leaders in a seemingly cordial interaction.
Experts continue to warn that Putin is a master manipulator and a war criminal, while Trump has repeatedly boasted about his close relationship with the Russian president. The release of the video has fueled scrutiny of Trump’s approach during the Alaska talks and raised questions about the optics of his interactions with the Russian leader.
The clip adds to the ongoing debate over U.S.-Russia relations and the president’s rapport with Putin, as international observers continue to monitor the aftermath of the historic meeting.