Berlin, Germany – A prominent Eastern Europe expert, Sergej Sumlenny, LL.M., has offered insights into the potential significance of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, suggesting it would symbolically represent a return of the territory to Russia in Putin's view. Sumlenny, who was born and socialized in Russia, stated on social media, > "As a person who was born and socialised in russia, I tell you what Putin and russia think about having a Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska. It means Putin goes to... russia." He further elaborated that the "Alaska myth" is essential for Russia's geopolitical narrative.
The "Alaska myth" refers to the 1867 sale of Alaska by the Russian Empire to the United States for $7.2 million. While historically a pragmatic decision for Russia facing financial strain and British expansionism, some Russian nationalists and hardliners today view the sale as a grave mistake and express a desire for the territory's return. This historical grievance forms a part of a broader revanchist sentiment within certain Russian political circles.
Sergej Sumlenny, a political analyst and managing director of the European Resilience Initiative Center (ERIC) in Berlin, is known for his critical analysis of Russian foreign policy and his expertise on Eastern European affairs. His comments underscore a perspective that sees any high-profile Russian presence in Alaska as a symbolic reclamation, regardless of the official diplomatic agenda. This interpretation highlights the deep-seated historical narratives that influence Russian strategic thinking.
Reports from Russian state-backed media have previously discussed the symbolic weight of Alaska in potential U.S.-Russia diplomatic engagements. An article from RT.com, for instance, noted the "rare blend of symbolism" if Alaska were chosen as a venue for a bilateral summit between the two leaders, linking it to the region's history as "Russian America." The article suggested that while the 1867 sale was a calculated investment in future relations, the symbolic connection has gained new meaning in the 20th century.
The prospect of a Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska, while not officially confirmed by either side for August 15, 2025, as suggested in some reports, resonates with a long-standing historical undercurrent in Russian-American relations. For Moscow, such a meeting on what was once Russian territory could be framed domestically as a significant geopolitical gesture, playing into nationalist sentiments and historical narratives of Russian power and influence.