Imagine seeing a world leader return to a country for the first time since declaring war, all under the watchful eye of another controversial leader — it sounds like a scene from a political thriller, right? That was the reality as Vladimir Putin set foot on American soil at Elmendorf Air Base in Alaska, orchestrated with an awkward charm by none other than Donald Trump.

The cold, grey skies in Anchorage stood as a backdrop as both leaders flew in on their presidential jets, a dramatic twist after years of conflict and tension. President Trump waited in Air Force One until Putin’s aircraft touched down, greeting him with applause as they finally met face-to-face for the first time since 2019. The moment was choreographed perfectly, with smiles and handshakes exchanged before they posed next to a sign that read “Alaska 2025,” setting a somewhat surreal tone.

In a bizarre twist, the Russian leader entered “The Beast,” the ultra-secure presidential limousine, right alongside Trump. This rare sight had many scratching their heads, especially since Putin has limited his travel dramatically since ordering the invasion of Ukraine. Despite the smiles, the atmosphere was tense. As they began their discussions in a room adorned with the phrase “Pursuing Peace” in English, a journalist broke the silence by shouting, “When will you stop killing civilians?” Putin, however, remained unfazed, choosing to ignore the confrontation.

Adding to the oddity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was spotted in an oversized sweatshirt emblazoned with “CCCP,” a nod to the Soviet Union that seemed to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of superpower rivalry. This was indeed a moment marked by the juxtaposition of old rivalries and new diplomatic theatrics.

Interestingly, senior Russian officials received a temporary reprieve from the heavy sanctions imposed since the Ukraine invasion, allowing them to travel freely and use cash machines. Activists, however, were not silent; they took to the streets, hoping their blue-and-yellow flags would capture the attention of the leaders from above. Signs were plastered around the area, including one that depicted Putin with the words, “This war criminal kidnaps children,” sending a stark message amid the diplomatic façade.

With just a week of preparation since Trump announced the summit, Anchorage was bustling with tourists unaware that their destination would suddenly host a major political event. Meanwhile, Russian journalists struggled to find accommodations, with some resorting to sleeping in a sports arena partitioned by curtains. And to top it off, they were served familiar Russian dishes like shashlik and grilled fish — along with a rather ironic chicken Kiev, a dish that carries its own heavy political undertones.