Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke something in English to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, August 15, after their long-awaited meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. It was something that had never been said before. The two presidents met in the capital of Alaska to talk about the war between Russia and Ukraine. This war has garnered a lot of attention around the world and has impacted millions of people via violence, sanctions, and political divisions.
The discussion went on for more over three hours, and then there was a short press conference that only lasted 12 minutes. Both presidents mostly stayed calm and polite at the news conference. But near the end of the meeting, Putin said something that plainly stunned Trump. Putin looked Trump in the eye and remarked in plain English, “Next time in Moscow.”
The comment surprised everyone in the room. Trump halted for a moment to think about the unexpected invitation before laughing and said, “That’s an interesting one; I’ll get some heat on that one.” But I could see it occurring. The moment was small yet important. Putin, who doesn’t often speak English in public, utilized the language right in front of the media to make a personal and symbolic message.
A number of other individuals thought that Putin’s invitation was planned, maybe to show the West a softer, more diplomatic side of himself and see how willing Trump was to talk about touchy subjects. Trump’s answer didn’t say yes or no, but it also didn’t say no. His answer made it sound like he is at least open to the notion of coming to Moscow in the future, even though it would be very hard for him politically.
Since Barack Obama went to the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg in 2013, no U.S. president, past or present, has been to Russia. Because of the war in Ukraine and the ongoing international sanctions, both supporters and opponents of the Kremlin would consider a high-profile travel to Russia by the U.S. as quite provocative.
Before the meeting, reporters questioned Trump if he thought he could help Russia and Ukraine get along. He didn’t act like he usually does when he’s cocky. Instead, he gave an answer that was shockingly honest and helpful. “Let me tell you something.” “I’ve talked to him about that,” Trump said, talking about Putin. “I’ve talked to him a lot, but then I go home and see that a rocket hit an apartment building or a nursing home and people are dead in the streets.”
He said, “I guess the answer to that is no, because I’ve already talked about it,” and his voice got a little quieter. I want the fighting to stop. I want the fighting to stop, but Biden started it. I will be quite proud to end this war, just like I did with the last five. But I guess the answer to that is no.
Trump’s remarks regarding “Biden’s war” indicate his criticism of Joe Biden’s management of international relations, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Trump was still upset that it has been so hard to make peace. This makes it sound like he has attempted to sway Putin’s opinion before but hasn’t been able to.
When asked what it was like to talk to Putin, a foreign leader who is so divisive, Trump was quite clear: “Economically severe.” It will be really bad. Okay, I’m not doing this for my own good. He said next, “I want to focus on our country,” but “I’m doing my part to save a lot of lives.” Yes, extremely bad.
These words made the issue appear even more important. Trump, who isn’t known for being humble, suggested that getting involved in the fight as a mediator would cost a lot of money and hurt his political career. But he made it sound like he had to become involved, which put him in a position where he was willing to deal with the backlash to make the world a better place.
Since then, the media has been quite interested in the encounter. Was Putin’s English comment just a diplomatic flourish, or did he want to change how people think? Was Trump’s willingness to go to Moscow real, or was it just a trick to make himself appear better?
One thing is for sure: the news conference ended in a way that most people didn’t expect. What started out as a normal meeting between diplomats turned into an unexpected conversation that could have big effects on what both presidents do next. Putin’s “Next time in Moscow” is still not set in stone. It’s a little invitation that might change how they connect politically and maybe even how others around the world talk about the war in Ukraine.