US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska – Signal of détente or strategic move?
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| US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska |
Anchorage, Alaska – A cold but dramatic morning made global headlines as Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at Ted Stevens International Airport, walked on the red carpet laid out by the US, and was greeted with formality by the US Vice President and Secretary of State.
This is the first time in more than a decade that a Russian leader has been welcomed on US soil with full presidential protocol. Observers say that choosing Alaska – a land only 85 km from Russia across the Bering Strait – is not only historically symbolic, but also a geopolitical “chessboard” where both Washington and Moscow have strategic interests.
The tense context and the reason for choosing Alaska
The US-Russia relationship in recent years has been overshadowed by a series of sanctions, confrontations in Ukraine, competition for influence in the Middle East and a military race in the Arctic. However, Alaska has a special position – it is close to Russia, it is part of the US territory, and it is located on the Arctic shipping route that is expanding due to the melting ice.
Holding the meeting here helps both sides avoid domestic political pressure and sends a flexible message: this is a pragmatic contact, not exactly “making friends”, but also not wanting to escalate tensions.
Agenda: Security, trade, and strategic weapons
A source from the White House said that the two sides will discuss:
Long-range nuclear arms control, including extending or renegotiating the New START treaties.
Maritime trade cooperation through the Arctic route to reduce dependence on traditional shipping channels.
Reducing the risk of military conflict in the area bordering Alaska - the Russian Far East.
An unnamed US official revealed: "Although there are many disagreements, both sides understand that the Arctic is becoming a new front, and cooperation can bring mutual benefits."
Political commentary: The red carpet is more than just a formality
According to many experts, the image of the red carpet stretching out in Alaska is not simply a diplomatic gesture. It could be a “diplomatic wind” of the US – both creating goodwill and testing Russia’s response to more flexible proposals.
On the other hand, for Mr. Putin, this visit is an opportunity to mark his international presence in the context of the West trying to isolate Russia. The solemn reception in the US can be exploited by the Kremlin as a diplomatic victory, sending a message to the domestic public that Russia is still a global power that cannot be ignored.
Open ending – Handshake or new fight?
No one is sure whether the red carpet will be followed by a historic handshake or a new round of diplomacy. However, Alaska today has shown the world one thing: even in the midst of ice, the international political chessboard is always hot.
