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Interestingly, Alaska, now known for its mountains and icy landscapes, was once part of Russia. In 1867, Russia sold the territory to the United States. From Alaska’s western tip, Russia’s easternmost point is not far—separated only by the Bering Strait. Even after more than 150 years under U.S. control, Russian influence in Alaska still lingers, given its proximity—just a few miles across the sea.
However, Trump and Putin did not choose Alaska solely to honor history; political calculations lie at the heart of this decision. The outcome of this meeting may also signal the future trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations.
Avoiding Sharing Credit
In recent years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have emerged as important mediators in various international conflicts. Both leaders are playing key roles in efforts to end the Gaza war. Clearly, Trump does not want to share the spotlight with them. Their participation would inevitably alter the priorities and tone of the summit.
Another reason for choosing this remote U.S. state may be Trump’s desire to keep his Democratic rivals, as well as NATO allies, at a distance. Trump may have calculated that NATO partners could obstruct progress toward a potential deal in the interest of defending Ukraine.
Some NATO allies fear that Trump may strike a deal unilaterally—one that completely sidelines Ukraine’s interests.
Alaska’s Sparse Population and Putin’s Legal Concerns
Alaska is sparsely populated. This makes it easier for security agencies to minimize the risks of terrorist attacks or deliberate provocations. Additionally, Alaska offers a legal advantage for Putin: he can avoid the threat of arrest.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. If he visits an ICC member state, they are obligated to detain him. The U.S. is not a party to the ICC, and this factor clearly influenced the choice of Alaska as the venue.
At the same time, the Trump administration is leveraging Alaska’s geography to exert greater pressure on Canada and Greenland, gradually turning the state into a strategic hub in the High North.
Alaska’s Geostrategic Location
Alaska is the United States’ only true Arctic region, and its location plays a crucial role. Both U.S. and Russian interests converge here—from developing the partially accessible Northern Sea Route via the Bering Strait to exploring vast oil and gas resources beneath the seabed.
A prime example of overlapping interests is the Lomonosov Ridge, an underwater mountain range in the Arctic Ocean. Russia claims it as a natural extension of its territory. Joint Arctic projects could transform this region into one of the world’s most resource-rich zones—or, under different circumstances, into a stage for nuclear tests and air defense drills.
Alaska’s History of Shifting Ownership
Territorial ownership has never been fixed by history or geography; it changes constantly through political and diplomatic deals. Alaska itself is a perfect example—its ownership shifted through an international agreement.
The most debated issue surrounding the Trump-Putin summit is, in fact, tied to this history of shifting land ownership. President Trump himself fueled speculation when he revealed the time and location of his meeting with Putin last Friday.
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