American Law Enforcement Official Contemplates Acquiring Russian Isles - Moscow Retaliates
In a surprising turn of events, a US Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Fritz, stationed in Estonia, has proposed purchasing Russia's Commander Islands for $15 billion. The proposal aims to enhance monitoring of Chinese submarine activity and strengthen Arctic security, drawing a parallel to the Alaska purchase in 1867 and emphasizing the strategic and environmental advantages of the islands for undersea surveillance [1][2][3].
However, Russia has firmly rejected this proposal. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, called the idea absurd and unconstitutional, characterizing the sale of national territory as a grave crime. Additionally, Russian State Duma deputy Sergey Mironov suggested a symbolic counteroffer to buy Alaska from the United States, illustrating Russia’s dismissive and critical stance toward the proposal. The overall Russian response is that such a sale is off the table and unlikely to be entertained seriously [3][4].
The Commander Islands, located in the Arctic and currently owned by Russia, are significant due to their resources and infrastructure. The islands, situated off the coast of Russia, are under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and are not open for sale, according to Zakharova's statement, which was delivered with biting sarcasm, referencing America making Russia great again, a slogan used during Donald Trump's presidential campaign [1][3].
The US national debt currently stands at a staggering $36.6 trillion, and Zakharova has suggested that Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Fritz use the proposed $15 billion for paying off a fraction of this colossal debt instead [1][3].
In summary:
| Country | Stance on Sale of Commander Islands | |----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | United States | Proposal by Lt. Col. Fritz to buy the islands for strategic reasons, $15 billion offer, framed as a pragmatic, peaceful acquisition[1][2][3] | | Russia | Firm rejection; called absurd and unconstitutional by official sources; strongly opposed to selling territory; symbolic counter-provocations from Russian politicians[3][4] |
As of July 2025, the US proposal exists but remains a military officer’s strategic suggestion, while Russia officially rejects any sale of the Commander Islands.
In the realm of politics and general news, discussions about the acquisition of Russia's Commander Islands are ongoing. The US, seeking strategic advantages for undersea surveillance and strengthening Arctic security, has proposed a purchase for $15 billion, echoing the Alaska purchase in 1867 [1][2][3]. Conversely, Russia has vigorously rejected this proposal, labeling it absurd and unconstitutional, and has shown a dismissive and critical stance towards the idea [3][4].
