After shaking hands on the red carpet, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin departed for the summit venue in a surprise shared ride. Despite Putin’s own “Aurus” limousine being present on the tarmac, the Russian president got into the U.S. presidential limousine, famously known as “The Beast.”
Putin was seen with a smile on his face, while Trump waved to the crowd as they left. This historic meeting marks the first time the two leaders have met face-to-face in over six years. The main goal of their talks is to discuss ways to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Prior to his departure from Washington, Trump had told reporters he was hopeful for a successful outcome.
The decision for the two leaders to travel together in the U.S. presidential vehicle is a symbolic moment that may hint at a positive start to their high-stakes discussions.
