The Kremlin shared a video shot inside Putin’s presidential plane throughout the return flight to Russia after the Anchorage assembly.
On Aug. 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for high-stakes talks targeted on the battle in Ukraine.
Whereas Trump flew to JBER aboard the Air Drive One, Putin arrived in Alaska aboard an Il-96-300PU, which is the first Russian presidential plane for long-range journey, preceded by different help plane, together with a Tu-214PU carrying members of his delegation.
The long-awaited assembly didn’t produce the ceasefire President Trump had sought: President Putin obtained a red-carpet welcome, a powerful flyover by one B-2 and 4 F-35s, and a shared stage with the U.S. President with out providing seen concessions on Ukraine. Apparently, after the talks, Putin’s Il-96-300PU was escorted by U.S. Air Drive F-35As because it left U.S. airspace on its manner again to Russia.
The state-run TASS information company shared a video on-line displaying the Lightning II jets as seen from contained in the cabin of the Russian presidential plane, though they have been misidentified as F-22 Raptors.
Американские истребители F-22 сопроводили борт Путина по пути с Аляски в Россию:
Видео: Kremlin. ru pic.twitter.com/uGLcwfVR6f
— ТАСС (@tass_agency) August 16, 2025
The F-35As, with tail code “AK”, are Lightning II jets assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing from Eielson Air Drive Base, Alaska. Each the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 356th Fighter Squadron function from Eielson. They recurrently perform QRA (Fast Response Alert) missions to intercept plane flying contained in the Alaskan ADIZ (Air Protection Identification Zone).
A Short-term Flight Restriction (TFR) was in place to safe the airspace throughout the assembly, with E-3 Sentry AWACS and fighters implementing it.
Effectively performed Alaskan aviation group! No TFR violations immediately throughout the Presidential summit. Thanks!
— North American Aerospace Protection Command (@NORADCommand) August 16, 2025
In such situations, high-value air belongings, reminiscent of a head-of-state plane, are sometimes given an escort to discourage and reply to any potential menace. The host nation is accountable for guaranteeing the protection of the visiting state plane. This isn’t a ceremonial gesture or an indication of respect however purely a safety measure. As an example, on Mar. 21, 2019, Xi Jinping visited Italy and two Eurofighter Typhoons escorted the Air China B747 carrying China’s President because it approached Rome-Fiumicino Airport.
Anyway, we even have the view from inside Air Drive One climbing on departure from JBER after the assembly.
What a view! AIR FORCE ONE within the climb out of Anchorage, Alaska this night. I believe it’s time for a brand new colour scheme. We have to cease dwelling up to now. pic.twitter.com/tdzRn6x9a8
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 16, 2025
