Former President Donald Trump plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday. This high-profile, national event will be held in the historic context of the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. If it happens, this summit will be Putin’s first visit to the US since 2015. All of this occurs against the backdrop of building tensions in Ukraine. The historical significance of Alaska, which was part of the Russian Empire until its purchase by the United States in 1867, adds layers of complexity to the discussions expected to take place.
Alaska, acquired by the U.S. for $7.2 million—about $254 million AUD today—is still the closest U.S. state to Russia. At its narrowest point, the Bering Strait separates the two countries by only 82 kilometers. That physical closeness, in turn, highlights Alaska’s strategic importance within U.S.-Russia relations.
The Context of the Summit
The next red tape summit at Elmendof Air Force Base is just around the corner. This event comes on the heels of Russia’s historic gains on the battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated his position, declaring, “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.” This later determination emphasizes just how rancorous the atmosphere was during the negotiations, as the two leaders challenged each other on sensitive territorial and wartime commemorative territory.
Senior White House adviser Karoline Leavitt underscored the importance of that summit in the context of the war still underway. She called it “a big listening exercise for the president.” She asserted that this is a weak moment for Trump. As to the latter, he can get a much clearer and deeper understanding of how to – and how not to – ultimately bring an end to the war. This historical context, coupled with the summit’s location — often referred to as Russia’s “second city” — provides a dramatic backdrop for conversations about Russia’s geopolitical ambitions.
Historical Significance of Alaska
Alaska’s history is deeply intertwined with Russia. During the time of the Russian Empire, Alaska was under Russian control. The United States bought it in a transaction that was roundly criticized at the time. The 1867 acquisition was criticized at the time as “Seward’s Folly,” after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the purchase. Today, though, it’s known more for its valuable strategic resources and geographic location.
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city with a population of just under 300,000 residents, is one of America’s most important military cities. Elmendorf Air Force Base has hosted several key events in U.S. military history and is strategically positioned for military and diplomatic engagements with Russia. The base’s historical ties to both countries give salience to the conversations that are sure to develop.
Implications for U.S.-Russia Relations
As Trump and Putin get ready to meet, hopes abound for what could come out of this meeting. Realtor.com, for instance, claims that negotiations are expected to involve territorial swaps. Trump promised to pursue a complex scheme of “land swapping” to appease both the Russian invaders and Ukraine. So, he explained there’ll be some land swapping happening for the good of Ukraine. Good stuff, not bad stuff. Some bad stuff for both.
As such, this year’s summit will almost certainly yield results with tremendous implications for U.S.-Russia relations. It will affect the ever evolving war in Ukraine as well. Zelenskyy maintains an unequivocal position against conceding any territory. At the same time, U.S. officials are working hard to find a solution. This Friday, Anchorage is the place to be.
