Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and red tie, the US president descended the stairs from Air Force One at 11:08 a.m. local time and looked gloomy as he walked the red carpet.

Trump stopped and, as Putin approached, applauded the Russian leader, then gave him a warm handshake and a friendly touch on the arm. Putin looked like he was joking and they both smiled.

They walked together to a platform that bore the sign: "Alaska 2025." Reporters shouted questions at Putin, including: "Will you agree to a ceasefire?" and "Will you stop killing civilians?" Putin seemed to shrug his shoulders.

Putin then joined Trump in the "Beast" presidential car - a rare privilege for both American allies and opponents - where he was seen laughing.