ISW: Kremlin 'brought Up' Alaska Claims Ahead Of Trump's Meeting With Putin

• 10.08.2025, 9:44

Russian officials note 'historical ties'.

The Kremlin on the eve of US President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin recalled claims to Alaska. Russian officials note "historical ties".

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

The Kremlin recalled Russia's historical claims to the region, which they call "Russian-born American."

Russian dictatorial aide Yuri Ushakov explained the choice of Alaska as a venue for negotiations by the two countries' proximity across the Bering Strait and common economic interests in the Arctic.

Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev also emphasized Alaska's "historical ties" to the Russian Orthodox Church and its military and economic presence in the territory.

Russia has previously made repeated statements about the need for the United States to return Alaska.

Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitri Medvedev said in January 2024 that Russia could expect "any day" the return of Alaska in response to U.S. warnings.

Famous Russian propagandists, including Vladimir Solovyov and Olga Skabeeva, have also repeatedly raised the issue on the airwaves.

The chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, said in 2022 that Russia would lay claim to Alaska if the United States froze Russian assets abroad.