Washington 22 Aug 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 5-hour stopover in the U.S. has now become a major headline. Reports suggest that this short meeting cost around ₹2.2 crore (approx. $260,000). What makes it even more controversial is that the payment is said to have been made under a private arrangement linked to President Donald Trump.
According to information, during his U.S. trip, Putin made a stop at an airbase in Alaska, where he met Trump. Sources indicate that this meeting was neither part of the White House’s official schedule nor an initiative of the U.S. State Department.
Trump’s condition and the “cash deal”
U.S. media reports claim that Trump charged a sort of “personal deal fee” for this stopover meeting. It is estimated that Russia made a cash payment of around ₹2.2 crore. Although there is no official confirmation, the news has triggered a major controversy in both American and Russian media.
The U.S. opposition Democratic Party has strongly objected, stating that if the meeting was private, such a large-scale financial transaction raises serious questions. Political analysts in Washington argue that such a “paid meeting” could harm America’s international credibility. Meanwhile, opposition leaders in Russia are also questioning whether Putin paid this amount from the state treasury or a private fund.
Fresh controversy over Trump–Putin ties
Trump’s ties with Putin have repeatedly stirred political controversies in the U.S. — from the 2016 elections to the sanctions on Russia, Trump has often faced allegations of making secret deals with Putin.
This latest episode seems to strengthen those suspicions. Putin’s 5-hour U.S. stopover has now turned into a hot diplomatic and media issue. If the reports of cash payments are proven true, it could spark a political crisis for both Trump and Putin.
Summary:
Reports reveal Trump struck a secret deal after a five-hour meeting to extend Putin’s US stay, raising questions over transparency, diplomacy, and hidden political motives.