Footage released by the Kremlin shows a dramatic display of air power as US F-22 Raptor fighter jets escorted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane across the Bering Strait. The escort followed a summit meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska. This unexpected visual underscored the complex dynamics of the relationship between the two world leaders.
The F-22s, reportedly originating from Elmendorf Air Force Base (the summit’s location), flanked Putin’s aircraft as it made its journey. This aerial escort added a layer of visual interest to the already highly publicized summit. The Russian President’s arrival in the US earlier had also been marked by a significant show of American military might, featuring a flyover by both F-22s and a B-2 stealth bomber. The red-carpet welcome and joint limousine ride with President Trump further emphasized the unusual nature of the meeting.
While the summit concluded with a joint press conference, no concrete agreements regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict were announced. Despite this, President Putin described the meeting as “constructive,” while President Trump characterized it as “warm,” suggesting they were “pretty close to the end” of the conflict. Following the meeting, Trump urged Ukrainian President Zelensky to “make the deal.”
The F-22 Raptor, a state-of-the-art fifth-generation fighter, is known for its stealth capabilities and its role in air superiority, precision strikes, and intelligence gathering. Alaska’s strategic location houses two squadrons of these advanced aircraft, in addition to F-35 squadrons stationed nearby. The escort serves as a potent symbol, highlighting the military capabilities present in the region and the delicate balance of power during this high-stakes summit.
The images of the F-22 escort are sure to fuel ongoing discussions about the US-Russia relationship and the future trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine. The visual spectacle, contrasting the display of military power with the stated aim of diplomatic resolution, leaves many questions unanswered about the true implications of the meeting.
