US showcases military power to Kremlin: Putin met in Alaska by F-22s and B-2 bombers
Photo: F-22 fighter jets on the runway during Putin’s arrival (Getty Images)
At the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, the United States showcased its military power to the Russian leader right at the foot of the aircraft stairs: F-22s were positioned along the red carpet, while a B-2 flew overhead, Axios reports.
The Trump–Putin summit in Alaska was carefully planned by the US administration. It was no coincidence that the event featured a flyover by a B-2 stealth bomber and a red carpet flanked by F-22 fighter jets.
On August 15, Vladimir Putin visited the US for the first time since 2007. President Donald Trump appeared intent on impressing his guest with a display of American military power.
F-22s were seen on the runway alongside Air Force One in the distance after Trump and Putin met on the red carpet in Anchorage. Both presidents paused to watch the aircraft flying over Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson before stepping onto the stage for their meeting.
The F-22 Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin, and the B-2 Spirit, produced by Northrop Grumman, are among the most valuable and expensive assets in the US arsenal. For instance, in June this year, the US deployed seven B-2 bombers to strike targets in Iran.
Trump–Putin meeting: what is known
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska began at 10:00 PM Kyiv time on August 15. It is expected to last six to seven hours. The summit is being held behind closed doors, with official statements and press conferences from both sides to follow.
More on the lead-up to the US–Russia summit in Alaska and what to expect next can be found in a separate analysis by RBC-Ukraine.
