Overview

• The joint press session saw Vladimir Putin speak first in Russian on U.S. soil, upending standard host-nation protocol and delaying translation for the press corps.
• Promised opportunities for reporters to question both leaders did not materialize, leaving the media and officials without clarity on any progress made.
• Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich described the appearance as “not good” and said Putin “steamrolled” President Trump, highlighting stark divisions in media reaction.
• Some conservative commentators praised the summit—Sean Hannity gave it a top rating—while others and diplomats awaited a formal readout to assess any diplomatic gains.
• With no ceasefire secured, the White House is preparing for a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and consultations with European allies on next steps.