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U.S. Fighters Escorted Putin’s Plane in Alaska During Meeting with Trump. Unprecedented Episode Marked the Summit Between the Presidents and Strengthened Military Tensions in the Arctic
Folha de S. Paulo highlighted that U.S. fighters escorted Putin’s plane in Alaska, in an unprecedented gesture in the relationship between Washington and Moscow. The episode occurred after the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, held in Anchorage, and drew attention for breaking traditional security and diplomacy protocols.
The Russian presidential aircraft, an Il-96, was accompanied by four U.S. F-35 fighters when leaving U.S. airspace. This was the first time a Russian official aircraft received this type of escort in the United States, amplifying the symbolism of the summit, which had already been marked by unusual moments.
Why the Unprecedented Escort Occurred
According to the Kremlin, the measure was recorded on video and widely disseminated. Military sources point out that the F-35s are fifth-generation fighters, specialized in stealth missions and strategic defense, regularly used to intercept Russian and Chinese bombers in the Arctic.
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Although the Pentagon did not officially comment, analysts believe that the escort was protocolary and symbolic, reinforcing both U.S. surveillance over foreign aircraft and the attempt to showcase military strength in Alaska, a strategic region that was once Russian territory until the 19th century.
Context of the Summit Between Trump and Putin
The meeting in Anchorage was surrounded by signs of tension and display of air power. Trump welcomed Putin with red carpet at a military base housing 40 F-22 fighters, known for intercepting Russian aircraft. Additionally, there was a flyover by a B-2 stealth bomber, designed for nuclear attacks, in a clear display of military deterrence.
Putin, on his part, sought to respond with symbolic gestures. The Russian president arrived at the meeting on a plane protected by camouflage maneuvers and then broke protocol by agreeing to travel part of the way alongside Trump in the armored limousine “The Beast”, leaving aside the official Russian vehicle, the Aurus Senat.
Putin’s History with Air Escorts
Although unprecedented in the United States, the practice of escorting the Russian presidential plane has been used by Putin on other occasions. In 2019, he flew over Russian territory accompanied by Su-57 fighters to promote the new aircraft. In 2023, he used Su-35s during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, in a demonstration of military power to the Middle East.
These actions reflect the use of aviation as an instrument of political messaging and projection of power. The difference, in this case, was the role reversal: instead of Russian fighters, it was the Americans who accompanied the Kremlin leader.
Impact on International Relations
The episode reinforces the delicate relationship of distrust between the two nuclear powers. For the United States, the escort symbolized both protocolary hospitality and vigilance over a historical adversary. For Russia, it served as a record of acknowledgment and also as an opportunity for political propaganda.
International security specialists point out that the act can be read as an ambiguous gesture: while reinforcing air defense protocols, it also opens precedents for interpretations about cooperation or covert surveillance.
And you, how do you interpret the fact that U.S. fighters escorted Putin’s plane in Alaska? Was it a gesture of military courtesy or a way to demonstrate power? Share your opinion in the comments and join the debate.
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