When US President Donald Trump announced the meeting location with Russian President Vladimir Putin, many people thought they would choose neutral territory. Mr. Putin himself has even suggested the location as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, Alaska - a state in the US - was chosen, causing surprise but bringing benefits to both sides.
According to US media, the organization in Alaska demonstrates Mr. Trump's position when the Russian leader had to go to the US, and at the same time helps Mr. Putin avoid flying over hostile countries, especially in the context of his arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The US does not recognize ICC's authority, so Mr. Putin will not face the risk of being arrested.
Alaska state leaders welcomed the decision with support. Governor Mike Dunleavy called his state a ridge between countries thanks to its strategic location near Russia. US Sen. Dan Sullivan and Mr. Yuri Ushakov - Putin's senior assistant - also emphasized that Alaska is a reasonable meeting point, as Russia and the US are "close neighbors" across the Bering Strait.
Lisa Murkowski, a veteran state congresswoman and supporter of Ukraine, expressed concern but hoped the discussions would bring real progress and end the conflict on a fair basis.
According to analysts, this option also has a symbolic element. Alaska was a Russian territory before Tsar Alexander II sold it to the US in 1867.
Some experts believe that the idea of organizing the event in Alaska may have come from Moscow, with Mr. Kirill Dmitriev - Mr. Putin's special envoy - as the proposer. Nina Khrushcheva - Professor of international affairs at the New School in New York - commented that this was a "great performance" for Mr. Trump when holding talks on his territory, and at the same time "significant benefit" for Mr. Putin.
The meeting also opens up the possibility of Trump returning to Russia, after Putin had invited him earlier. With Alaska - the closest state to Russia and of historical value, both leaders can take advantage of this location to send a strategic message to the public and international partners.
