A palpable tension fills the air in Anchorage as Alaskans prepare for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, just a short drive from the city, has drawn demonstrators, local voices of concern, hope for peace, and reflections on Alaska’s complex relationship with Russia.
Among those participating in protests is Hanna Correa, a Ukrainian native who moved to Alaska seeking a new life in 2019. Surrounded by supporters waving Ukrainian flags, she reflects on the significance of the summit. “Putin is supposed to be in jail,” she declares, highlighting her discontent with the leaders gathering in her new hometown. The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom she believes should be part of the discussions, adds to her frustration.
Chris Kelliher, a military veteran and Alaskan native, shares his dismay, stating, “It’s gross, it makes you want to take a shower.” His sentiments capture the feelings of many residents who question why Putin's presence is welcomed in their state while the ramifications of his actions continue to unfold globally.
Historically, this gathering resonates deeply with Alaska’s Russian legacy. The 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia, once deemed a folly, has gained historical relevance as oil and mineral prospects emerged. Neighborhoods such as Anchorage are dotted with symbols of this past, including the St Tikhon Orthodox Church, which is hosting prayer sessions in the lead-up to the summit. Priest Nicholas Cragle emphasizes the emotional turmoil this conflict brings to parishioners, hoping the summit might facilitate a resolution.
Amidst the protests, others voice their pragmatism. Don Cressley, an Alaskan fisherman, believes in the importance of the talks and wishes for Zelensky’s inclusion, emphasizing the war’s toll on civilians. He notes, “the destruction they're doing to all the cities... making everybody more homeless,” advocating for an urgent end to the conflict.
As military tensions brew—Moscow’s jets frequently approach Alaskan airspace—some residents express anxiety about potential escalations. Russell Wilson, also a local fisherman, highlights this unease, remarking on the constant military presence near their borders. "We could be the next Ukraine," he warns, advocating for a robust response to protect their homeland.
Not all Alaskans perceive the danger as immediate. Kelliher dismisses fears of invasion, citing the local culture of widespread gun ownership. This juxtaposition of perspectives reflects a broader narrative in Anchorage, balancing caution with an underlying desire for peace amid the geopolitical tension precipitated by the summit.
