Trump posts photo with Putin after tense call with European leaders

U.S. President Donald Trump shared photos with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on his Truth Social account late Thursday, hours after a difficult call with European leaders over sanctions and Russian oil, German daily Bild reported.

The pictures, taken at their Aug. 15 summit at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Base in Alaska, showed the two presidents looking skyward as U.S. Air Force jets flew overhead, and a formation of four F-35 fighters leading a B-2 bomber. Trump added no comments to the posts.

Bild said European officials were frustrated that Trump continues to threaten sanctions on Russia but avoids implementing them. In the call, Trump accused Europe of financing Moscow’s war machine by buying Russian oil, while EU leaders countered that only Hungary and Slovakia still import it. Trump’s envoy, Stephen Witkoff, said much of Europe is indirectly importing Russian crude refined in India.

EU leaders offered to send representatives to Washington within 48 hours to set up a sanctions task force, though it was unclear if Trump accepted. Insiders told Bild they did not expect him to follow through with sanctions despite repeated deadlines.