The Kremlin shared a video shot inside Putin’s presidential aircraft during the return flight to Russia after the Anchorage meeting.
On Aug. 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for high-stakes talks focused on the war in Ukraine.
While Trump flew to JBER aboard the Air Force One, Putin arrived in Alaska aboard an Il-96-300PU, which is the primary Russian presidential aircraft for long-range travel, preceded by other support aircraft, including a Tu-214PU carrying members of his delegation.
The long-awaited meeting did not produce the ceasefire President Trump had sought: President Putin received a red-carpet welcome, an impressive flyover by one B-2 and four F-35s, and a shared stage with the U.S. President without offering visible concessions on Ukraine. Interestingly, after the talks, Putin’s Il-96-300PU was escorted by U.S. Air Force F-35As as it left U.S. airspace on its way back to Russia.
The state-run TASS news agency shared a video online showing the Lightning II jets as seen from inside the cabin of the Russian presidential aircraft, although they were misidentified as F-22 Raptors.
Американские истребители F-22 сопроводили борт Путина по пути с Аляски в Россию:https://t.co/opGFrRqCL3
Видео: Kremlin. ru pic.twitter.com/uGLcwfVR6f
— ТАСС (@tass_agency) August 16, 2025
The F-35As, with tail code “AK”, are Lightning II jets assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Both the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 356th Fighter Squadron operate from Eielson. They regularly carry out QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) missions to intercept aircraft flying inside the Alaskan ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone).
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was in place to secure the airspace during the meeting, with E-3 Sentry AWACS and fighters enforcing it.
Well done Alaskan aviation community! No TFR violations today during the Presidential summit. Thank you!
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) August 16, 2025
In such scenarios, high-value air assets, such as a head-of-state aircraft, are often given an escort to deter and respond to any potential threat. The host nation is responsible for ensuring the safety of the visiting state aircraft. This is not a ceremonial gesture or a sign of respect but purely a security measure. For instance, on Mar. 21, 2019, Xi Jinping visited Italy and two Eurofighter Typhoons escorted the Air China B747 carrying China’s President as it approached Rome-Fiumicino Airport.
Anyway, we also have the view from inside Air Force One climbing on departure from JBER after the meeting.
What a view! AIR FORCE ONE in the climb out of Anchorage, Alaska this evening. I think it’s time for a new color scheme. We need to stop living in the past. pic.twitter.com/tdzRn6x9a8
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 16, 2025
