Revisiting the Sale of Alaska: Russian Skepticism Lingers Ahead of Trump-Putin Meeting

The impending meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, slated for this Friday, has sparked intense interest, particularly regarding the geographical locale of Alaska. In this piece, we delve into the historical context surrounding Russia’s cession of the Alaskan territory to the United States, and the lingering doubts among some Russians about whether Alaska truly belongs under American jurisdiction.

NPR’s Greg Myre offers a glimpse into the intriguing saga that began in 1867 when Russia, then an empire in decline, decided to sell Alaska to the United States for the sum of $7.2 million. The sale was met with skepticism and controversy both within Russia and among certain sections of American society, a sentiment that persists to some extent even today.

As we approach the upcoming summit, the geopolitical significance of this shared history is undeniable. The question of Alaska’s allegiance remains a topic of interest, not only for historians but also for those seeking to understand the complex relationship between these two global powers.