Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands in Alaska as Ukraine war talks begin

The leaders, joined by their respective delegations, are meeting to negotiate ending the war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump shake hands at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage ahead of their talks on Friday. Picture AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin kicked off their Alaska summit with a warm handshake before heading into hours of discussions that could reshape the war in Ukraine and relations between Moscow and Washington.

After descending from Air Force One, Mr Trump applauded the Russian leader as he approached, walking along red carpets that had been placed for each leader on Friday.