A B-2 stealth bomber, flanked by four F-35 fighter jets, soared over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson just as U.S. President Donald Trump greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin on the runway.
The roar of the aircraft briefly drew Putin’s gaze skyward before he turned to exchange words with Trump.
The aerial display, interpreted as both a show of force and a symbolic message of American military might, set the stage for the high-stakes meeting.
This was the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the presidency.
The summit venue, strategically located in Alaska, closer to Russia than Washington, D.C., was chosen for its security, symbolism, and proximity.
Videos of the flyover quickly went viral, sparking debate online, particularly about the B-2’s recent combat role.
Just two months earlier, the bomber had been used in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, deploying bunker-buster munitions in a controversial operation.
According to Fox News, the B-2 Spirit remains one of America’s most formidable aircraft. Built by Northrop Grumman, the bomber can penetrate dense air defenses, carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, and travel over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling.
With fewer than 20 still in service, each public appearance is a calculated signal of American power projection.
Following the flyover, Trump and Putin entered the presidential limousine known as “the Beast.” As their motorcade departed, another formation of fighter jets roared overhead.
The leaders were driven to a secure conference hall within the base to begin discussions on global security.
Trump, speaking ahead of the meeting, emphasized that his goal was to prepare ground for a future three-way summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He added that he would not be satisfied unless Putin agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine.