Russians in Alaska could be seeking funds for certain reasons
In the icy landscapes of Anchorage, Alaska, the stage is set for a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the atmosphere surrounding the summit is far from frosty.
The primary objective of the meeting, according to reports, is to restore life-saving connections for critical public services such as healthcare, communal shelters, and local administration in regions affected by conflict. Yet, the expectations for the summit are low, with both the German public and military expert Ralph Thiele expressing concerns.
Ines Schwerdtner, chairwoman of the Left Party, has criticized the format of the negotiations, while Sahra Wagenknecht, chairwoman of the BSW, opposes a NATO perspective for Ukraine and suggests that the US should take the NATO membership of Ukraine off the table during the summit.
The meeting itself is scheduled for 11:00 AM local time, but whether a joint press conference will follow remains uncertain. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters have gathered in Anchorage, waving Ukrainian flags and holding signs expressing concern about Putin's intentions towards Ukraine.
Amidst these tensions, speculation surrounds the financial aspects of the summit. Due to U.S. banking sanctions against Russia, Putin's delegation had to pay in cash to refuel their planes while in Alaska. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that Putin's delegation paid nearly $250,000 in cash to refuel three jets after their meeting with President Trump.
The ongoing sanctions, which have blocked Russia’s access to the American financial system, have broader implications. They exemplify the impacts of economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine, although Rubio acknowledged that sanctions have not altered the war’s trajectory so far.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, authorities have ordered the evacuation of the city of Druzhkivka and other frontline settlements due to the advance of Russian troops. More than half of the active Starlink devices are located in areas fully or partially occupied by Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has received $1.5 billion from European allies for the purchase of US weapons. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) did not monitor the use of 5,175 Starlink terminals delivered to Ukraine, accepting a higher risk of misuse due to the "complex military situation" and urgent needs of Ukraine.
As the summit unfolds, Russia comes to the table with a clear position, according to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The meeting could potentially pave the way for a second Ukraine summit in Alaska, as suggested by President Trump.
However, only 13 percent of Germans believe Trump can mediate enough to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine at the meeting in Alaska on Friday. The summit, therefore, promises to be a significant event, marked by high stakes and low expectations.
In other developments, a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet is reported to have crashed near the Snake Island, with wreckage found in the sea but no pilots found. A statement on Telegram reported that the Ukrainian Naval Intelligence Service intercepted Russian radio traffic reporting the loss of contact with the Su-30SM during a mission south of the Snake Island.
An overnight drone attack is said to have hit the Russian oil refinery in the city of Sysran, causing fires and smoke columns, but the extent of the damage and casualties is not known. Russia operates around 130 Su-30SM combat aircraft, each costing around $50 million.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Anchorage, Alaska for the summit, wearing a T-shirt with the inscription "CCCP" (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), which is considered a deliberate provocation.
As the world watches, the outcome of the Alaska summit remains uncertain, promising a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
- The summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is not solely about politics or war-and-conflicts, as it aims to restore essential public services in regions affected by conflict, such as healthcare, communal shelters, and local administration.
- Amidst the economic sanctions against Russia, it was reported that Putin's delegation paid nearly $250,000 in cash to refuel planes during their visit to Alaska, highlighting the broader implications of financial restrictions aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
