Alaska is getting ready to host an unprecedented meeting between Donald Trump and his Vladimir Putinhowever, the excitement of the inhabitants is not unanimous. Although the United States state has maintained for decades of cultural and historical links with Russia, the invasion of Ukraine has seriously affected this relationship, according to a New York Times report.
According to Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday (08.08.2025), the meeting with Vladimir Putin will take place on August 15, with the aim of reaching a peace agreement. The US president even implied that there may be ‘Exchange of territories’ Between Moscow and Kiev, implying that Washington could support a permanent concession of Ukrainian soils.
A historical background that is shaken
Alaska colonized by the Russian Empire in the 18th centurybefore being sold to United States in 1867. Russian -speaking communities and Orthodox churches still exist, from the remote islands of Aleuties to the city of Ankorage.
After Cold warthe state reinforced exchanges with the Russian Federation, but Vladimir Putin’s rise to power and, in particular, the war in Ukraine overturned this course.
In 2023, the Anchorage suspended twinning with the Siberian city of MagadanBut keeping Juno’s contacts with Vladivostok.
“If tensions escalate between Washington and Moscow, in Alaska we will feel it more intense than anywhere else,” warns Brandon Boylan, a professor at Alaska University.
Between diplomacy and political cautiousness
The White House has not confirmed the exact place of the meeting, but its presence Secret Service in Anchorage It supplies speculation. Republican Governor Mike Danlivi welcomed the fact as a confirmation of the state’s “diplomatic role”. Senator Lisa Murkovski, although “particularly cautious” against the Kremlin, hopes to progress with peace.
For his part, the president of the local Democratic Party, Eric Croft, believes that this meeting mainly highlights Donald Trump’s inability to keep his pre -election promise to end the war from the first day of his term. “Alaska residents are more concerned about inflation and cuts in public services,” he said.