Protests Erupt in Anchorage Before Trump-Putin Summit

Anchorage witnessed a surge of over 100 demonstrators, many of whom showed support for Ukraine, as they took to the streets of Alaska’s largest city on Thursday night. This gathering came just before a highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Protesters assembled at a well-known street corner mere hours before the Trump-Putin Summit in the 49th state. It marked their first in-person sit-in in a year dedicated to discussing peace efforts in Ukraine.

Despite the turnout, many protestors—believed to be largely Democrats—expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of productive peace talks. There was noticeable disappointment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not present.

Barbara Hood, a long-time Anchorage resident, brought a large Ukrainian flag to convey a message. She stated that if Putin were genuinely interested, peace could be achieved “in a second.” Yet, she expressed doubt about the prospects for peace. “I don’t think that’s what they’re here for,” Hood remarked.

Trump is set to engage with Putin at Elmendorf Air Force Base on Friday morning, where the two leaders will hold a joint press conference. Trump has emphasized that this initial dialogue with Putin is meant to provide him insights into the Russian leader’s intentions. He mentioned that further meetings involving Zelensky would follow to work toward a final peace deal.

Another local, Mary Ellen Lambert, noted that achieving peace seemed straightforward for Putin—”he just needs to withdraw from Ukraine.” Instead, she feared he would manipulate Trump into conceding various territories under the guise of a peace agreement. Lambert, involved in numerous anti-Trump rallies, asserted, “We don’t want them here in Alaska.”

The protests, overwhelmingly attended by Democrats, included messages questioning whether Alaska was next on Putin’s agenda and urging him to leave the U.S. Signs displayed sentiments like “Alaska is standing with Ukraine.”

On Thursday morning, Trump indicated success in his interview with Brian Kilmeade, claiming optimism regarding a citizen-centered conversation that could pave the way for a trilateral meeting including Zelensky.