Kremlin revives Alaska dispute before Trump-Putin summit, according to ISW
Photo: Yurii Ushakov (Russian Media)
On the eve of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin brought up its claims to Alaska. Russian officials emphasize the "historical ties" to the region, according to the report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Kremlin recalled Russia’s historical claims to the region, which they describe as "a Russian-born American."
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov explained the choice of Alaska as the meeting place by citing the proximity of the two countries across the Bering Strait and their shared economic interests in the Arctic.
Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev also emphasized the "historical ties" between Alaska and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as its military and economic presence in the region.
Previously, Russia has repeatedly voiced claims about the need for the United States to return Alaska.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated in January 2024 that Russia could expect the return of Alaska "any day now" in response to American sanctions.
Prominent Russian propagandists, including Vladimir Solovyov and Olga Skabeeva, have also repeatedly raised this issue on air.
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said in 2022 that Russia would claim Alaska if the US froze Russian assets abroad.
Peace negotiations
On August 6, it became known that Donald Trump’s adviser Witkoff visited Moscow, where he held talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
The main topic of the meeting was discussing possibilities to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Afterwards, Donald Trump informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Witkoff's meeting, with Zelenskyy expressing hope that Russia is currently more inclined toward a ceasefire.
According to Bloomberg, American and Russian officials are working on a possible peace plan that includes freezing hostilities.
US President Donald Trump entertained the idea of a territorial exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump announced the date and location of his meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin — August 15 in Alaska.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not give up its territories to Russian occupiers.
