US Orthodox Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska has apologized for greeting Vladimir Putin during the Trump–Putin summit in Anchorage on 15 August. The moment drew sharp backlash because Putin is under an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.

Beyond that charge, rights groups and UN investigators have documented how Russian forces under his command bombed cities like Mariupol, executed civilians in Bucha, and displaced millions. Many experts call these atrocities the direct result of the crime of aggression — the decision to invade Ukraine itself — though the ICC cannot prosecute aggression without a UN Security Council referral, which Russia can veto.

Warm words, harsh reactions

During the encounter, Archbishop Alexei told Putin:

“Russia has given us what’s most precious of all, which is the Orthodox faith, and we are forever grateful.”

He recalled Russian missionaries who brought Orthodoxy to Alaska under czarist rule, adding that when clergy visit Russia, they return saying: “I’ve been home.”

Putin replied: “Please feel at home whenever you come.”

That exchange — along with the greeting and an icon gift — prompted a scathing response from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Its bishops denounced the meeting as a “betrayal of Christian witness” in the wake of Russia’s war.

Their statement, signed by Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel, said the Russian regime is responsible for “the death of hundreds of thousands, the disappearance of countless innocents, the tearing of families apart, and the deliberate destruction of Ukraine.”

“To extend warm words of welcome and admiration to this ‘leader’ is nothing less than an endorsement of his actions,” they warned, adding that while Christians preach love and forgiveness, they “can never excuse or whitewash evil.”

Archbishop’s apology

Archbishop Alexei later admitted his actions caused “confusion and pain” and stressed they do not represent the official stance of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA):

“I accept full responsibility for the confusion and pain my actions caused. My actions in no way indicate a change in the position of the Orthodox Church in America.”

He explained the greeting followed three days of diocesan prayer for peace and was meant as hospitality, not politics.

Church leadership distances itself

Metropolitan Tikhon, primate of the OCA, emphasized the meeting was unauthorized:

“The Orthodox Church in America has clearly and repeatedly condemned the aggression against Ukraine.”

Alaska summit fallout

The apology came in the wake of the Trump–Putin summit. Despite red-carpet ceremony, the talks ended without a peace deal. Critics said the event gave Putin a platform without concessions. President Trump later threatened new sanctions if Russia fails to move toward peace.