U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin departed Alaska without securing a ceasefire deal in Ukraine, but their highly anticipated summit was far from uneventful.

The face-to-face meeting—the first between the two leaders in seven years—was billed as a potential breakthrough in ending the war, yet it also delivered a handful of awkward moments that drew global attention.

From a firm, almost performative handshake on the tarmac, to Putin unexpectedly opening their joint press conference instead of Trump, the summit often defied diplomatic norms. Cameras also caught moments of visible tension, including long pauses during their remarks and occasional mismatched body language as they stood side by side before reporters.

While the lack of a ceasefire deal was seen as a disappointment by many observers, the unusual tone and theatrics of the Alaska meeting ensured it will remain a subject of intense scrutiny. Analysts say the awkward optics may complicate efforts to project unity, even as both sides claimed “progress” was made.