Alaska's long history with Russia explained
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.
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The Independent
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Trump and Putin greet with handshake at historic summit on Ukraine ceasefire deal
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As he headed to the summit aboard Air Force One, Mr Trump said he wanted the meeting to lead to a ceasefire in Ukraine and that he would not be unhappy if one did not emerge as a result of his talks with Putin. 'I want to see a ceasefire rapidly... I'm not going to be happy if it's not today," he said. "I want the killing to stop." He had also vowed that the Russian president is 'not going to mess around with me' as he attempts to secure a ceasefire deal. And he floated the possibility of inviting European leaders, including Ukraine 's Volodymyr Zelensky, to a second round of negotiations, after the meeting in Alaska. The White House had said the summit would also include a bilateral lunch with their delegations, and a joint press conference. In Putin's presence, Mr Trump's past performances have been deferential. On this occasion he appeared more confident. Both ignored a journalist shouting a question to Putin; 'How can the US trust your word?'. 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The Independent
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Gas valve failure during routine maintenance work may have led to fatal explosion, US Steel says
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