It was a welcome tailored for a close friend, not a war criminal, and it looked to the Ukrainians like their nightmare.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin high-stakes summit in Anchorage, Alaska, has come to an end. After more than two hours of talks, the two leaders appeared in a joint press conference, with both leaders alluding to progress but not announcing any specifics, including a ceasefire deal.

Trump had earlier extended an invitation for the meeting at Putin's suggestion, but the leader has since been defensive. He has given a 25% chance that the talks might fail.