While Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are about to meet in Alaska to evoke a cease-fire in Ukraine, the choice of this territory is not trivial. Historical symbol and strategic place, Alaska refers to an old and complex relationship between the two powers.
Russian land that has become American
Before being the 49th American stateAlaska was a Russian colony for more than a century. The story begins in 1741, when the explorer Vitus Bering, at the service of the Tsar, reached the coasts of Alaska. This icy territory quickly reveals its richness: Furs traffickingespecially those of sea otters, becomes A boon for the Russian Empire.
In 1784the Russians found their first permanent establishment on the island of Kodiak. In 1804, Novo-Arkhangelsk (today Sitka) became the capital of Russian possessions in America. A colony officially managed by the Russian-American company, but faced with many difficulties :: Isolation, Aboriginal resistance, diseases, financial losses.
After the Crimean War and faced with a weakened economy, Tsar Alexandre II decides to sell this territory that has become too expensive. On March 30, 1867, the United States bought Alaska for $ 7.2 million. A derisory sum, which causes mockery and criticism at the time. But history will prove Washington right. On the Russian side, the sale remains, for some, A subject of regret. “” If Alaska had remained Russian, it would today be the richest region of the federation“Said historian Sergei Karpov in 2014.
A highly strategic choice
It is in this decor steeped in history that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin must meet this Friday, August 15. The objective displayed: discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine And approach international security issues. An unprecedented meeting, both in substance and in form.
The choice of Alaska questions. Why meet in this remote state, historically Russian but today very American? For Yury Ushakov, diplomatic advisor to the Kremlin, It’s a choice “pragmatic»». Alaska is close to Russia, separated only by the Strait of Bering. It is far from Brussels, European institutions … and the International Criminal Court, of which the United States does not recognize authority.
But there is more. For the political scientist Pavel Felgenhauer, this location is not just a logistical question. “”Make this summit in Alaska, It is to revive the memory of an empire that Russia has never stopped crying“, He confides inTime.
In filigree, the choice of anchorage also strengthens a geopolitical message. “” Alaska is the antipodes of UkraineTrump and Putin will agree on the interests of European countries, but without them“Summarizes Igor Delanoë, specialist in Russian-American relations.
A meeting far from Europe, but not of power
The Russian heritage is always visible in Alaska, Orthodox churches, names of places of Russian origin, architectural heritage. Never has a Russian leader went to Alaska, not even the time when she was Russian. Vladimir Putin’s visit will therefore be a first.
Welcomed at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base, in Anchorage, the two heads of state will benefit high -level. The ultra-secure site is home to more than 6,000 soldiers and has two landing tracks.
This meeting is also perceived as a diplomatic turning point. Vladimir Putin has not set foot in the United States since 2015. The observers expected a meeting in the Gulf, in Dubai or Riyadh, usual negotiation land. The return to American soil, even in Alaska, sends a strong signal.
Finally, this meeting reflects a deeper change in the global balance. Far from Brussels or kyivthe great powers redraw their spheres of influence. “”It is no longer Europe that decides, the issues are now played in the Pacific», Concludes Igor Delanoë.
The top of Alaska, beyond its symbolism, could thereforemark a new chapter in east-west relations.
