President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin opened their Alaska summit Friday with a warm handshake, greeting each other like longtime acquaintances before beginning hours of talks that could reshape the war in Ukraine and the broader U.S.-Russia relationship.

After stepping off Air Force One at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Trump applauded as Putin approached along a red carpet laid out for each leader. The two clasped hands for an extended moment, smiling as cameras clicked. Putin eventually pointed skyward while their hands were still joined.

Uniformed service members stood at attention nearby as B-2 bombers and F-22 fighter jets — aircraft designed to counter Russia during the Cold War — roared overhead in a symbolic flyover.

The warmth between the two lea

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