Moscow, Aug. 16 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday described his Alaska visit as "timely and extremely useful," during a televised meeting with senior Kremlin officials, calling his talks with former US President Donald Trump an important step in seeking peace.

The Alaska meeting on Friday - the first US-Russia summit since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 - lasted three hours but ended without a ceasefire.

His comments drew sharp reactions in Ukraine, where leaders fear Washington's pressure may force compromises on core national interests.

Zelenskyy heads to Washington amid pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington on Monday in the wake of the Alaska talks, facin...