Things to know about Alaska ahead of Friday’s Trump-Putin summit
Alaska’s long history with Russia explained
- The meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska underscores the state's extensive historical ties with Russia, which began with Siberian fur traders in the early 18th century.
- Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million, a transaction influenced by the depletion of sea otter populations and Russia's financial difficulties after the Crimean War.
- Alaska has long been strategically vital for the U.S., notably as a World War II battleground and a crucial defence point during the Cold War against potential Soviet aggression.
- The state has a history of hosting significant international figures and diplomatic encounters, including visits from Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Barack Obama, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Sentiment in Alaska towards Russia has notably cooled since the invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the suspension of sister city relationships and public demonstrations against Vladimir Putin.