Residents of Anchorage are expressing strong emotions as they prepare for a significant political meeting in their backyard. With President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin set to meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, local reactions range from protest to cautious optimism. Very visible at the forefront of these protests are Alaskans waving Ukrainian flags, with emotional stories weaving through the crowd.
Hanna Correa, a 40-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, captured the collective sentiment when she lamented, "Putin is supposed to be in jail, and he just comes to Alaska like that." Correa has been living in Alaska since 2019, and she conveyed her disappointment that Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the talks. "It’s pretty sad," she remarked.
The protests highlight a broader Alaskan sentiment towards the geopolitical gatherings. Military veteran Christopher Kelliher expressed his disdain for Putin's presence in the state, stating, "It's gross, it makes you want to take a shower," adding his belief that President Trump is catering to a notorious leader.
The historical context of Alaska's acquisition from Russia in 1867 brings added significance to the summit's location. The area’s Russian heritage remains evident through its architecture and community, including the St Tikhon Orthodox Church, where priest Nicholas Cragle has organized prayers in hopes for peace. He admits the conflict strikes a personal chord with the local population.
In stark contrast, some residents, including local fisherman Don Cressley, welcome the meeting as an opportunity to resolve tensions. "I wish Zelensky would be out here too... get this thing over with," Cressley said, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the destruction occurring in Ukraine.
While some residents sense the looming threat of Russian military activity, witnessing increased patrols by Moscow’s aircraft, others downplay the risks. Kelliher, for one, isn’t concerned about a potential invasion because “everybody in Alaska owns a gun.”
As Alaskans process the duality of their proximity to political power and international tensions, the outcome of this summit is heavily anticipated—not just by those in the higher echelons of power but also by the inhabitants whose lives are intertwined with global affairs.
Hanna Correa, a 40-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, captured the collective sentiment when she lamented, "Putin is supposed to be in jail, and he just comes to Alaska like that." Correa has been living in Alaska since 2019, and she conveyed her disappointment that Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the talks. "It’s pretty sad," she remarked.
The protests highlight a broader Alaskan sentiment towards the geopolitical gatherings. Military veteran Christopher Kelliher expressed his disdain for Putin's presence in the state, stating, "It's gross, it makes you want to take a shower," adding his belief that President Trump is catering to a notorious leader.
The historical context of Alaska's acquisition from Russia in 1867 brings added significance to the summit's location. The area’s Russian heritage remains evident through its architecture and community, including the St Tikhon Orthodox Church, where priest Nicholas Cragle has organized prayers in hopes for peace. He admits the conflict strikes a personal chord with the local population.
In stark contrast, some residents, including local fisherman Don Cressley, welcome the meeting as an opportunity to resolve tensions. "I wish Zelensky would be out here too... get this thing over with," Cressley said, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the destruction occurring in Ukraine.
While some residents sense the looming threat of Russian military activity, witnessing increased patrols by Moscow’s aircraft, others downplay the risks. Kelliher, for one, isn’t concerned about a potential invasion because “everybody in Alaska owns a gun.”
As Alaskans process the duality of their proximity to political power and international tensions, the outcome of this summit is heavily anticipated—not just by those in the higher echelons of power but also by the inhabitants whose lives are intertwined with global affairs.
