Alaska Braces for Controversial Summit: Mixed Reactions from Residents

As Alaska prepares for a high-profile meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, local residents showcase a range of emotions from concern to hope, reflecting the complex historical ties between the state and Russia.

In amidst a charged atmosphere, Alaskans are reacting to the impending visit of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, just outside Anchorage. Residents voice their concerns over geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine, while others express hope for progress.

Hanna Correa, a Ukrainian former resident, joined a protest outside the city, waving Ukrainian flags and calling out the leaders’ absence of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. “It’s unfortunate that Zelensky isn’t here,” she remarks, feeling emotional support from her fellow Americans as they rally against Putin's presence in their state.

Christopher Kelliher, a local military veteran, conveyed his disdain for the summit, stating, "It’s gross, it makes you want to take a shower… Putin doesn't belong here." Kelliher, reflecting on the Russians’ historical influence in Alaska, highlights the uneasiness stemming from recent Russian military activity near the state.

As crowds in Anchorage gathered to oppose the meeting, the juxtaposition of Alaska’s Russian heritage came to the forefront. Priest Nicholas Cragle of the St Tikhon Orthodox Church emphasized the pain surrounding the conflict and prayed for peace during a three-day vigil intended to promote resolution.

Meanwhile, locals like fisherman Don Cressley shared a more optimistic outlook on the summit. Visiting from North Pole, Cressley expressed a desire for an end to the destruction in Ukraine, stating, "It’s a good idea,” while praising the President's negotiation efforts.

Despite mixed feelings, many Alaskans remain pragmatic about the situation. Russell Wilson, an Anchorage native, expressed concern about safety given Alaska's proximity to Russia. He noted, “If the president doesn’t put the hammer down, we could be the next Ukraine,” highlighting the fine line between peace and conflict.

However, some residents view fears of an invasion as exaggerated. “Not really, everybody in Alaska owns a gun," Kelliher joked, underscoring a sense of security in the state's armed populace.

As the geopolitical circus unfolds, it remains to be seen what the summit will yield, a prospect that has both united and divided Alaskans grappling with their unique position between two nations.