After descending from Air Force One, Mr Trump applauded the Russian leader as he approached, walking along red carpets that had been placed for each leader on Friday.

They gripped hands for an extended period of time, with both men smiling, and Mr Putin eventually grinned and pointed skyward while their hands were still clasped.

Uniformed military members stood at attention nearby at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and B-2s and F-22s — military aircraft designed to oppose Russia during the Cold War — flew over to mark the moment.

Reporters nearby yelled, “President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?” and Mr Putin put his hand up to his ear but did not answer.

Mr Trump and Mr Putin both climbed in the US presidential limo, with Mr Putin grinning widely as the vehicle rolled past t

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