Trump and Putin will convene at an Alaskan military base, historically employed for countering Russian influence
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, Alaska, has a rich history that spans from its role as a frontline monitoring post during the Cold War to its current critical position in U.S. defense and diplomacy, particularly in relation to Russia.
Originally two separate installations - Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson - JBER was formed in 2010, merging to create Alaska’s largest military hub. The base, which spans 85,000 acres and boasts approximately $15 billion in infrastructure, is home to around 32,000 residents.
During the Cold War, JBER played a key strategic role in monitoring and deterring the Soviet Union. Its proximity to Russia, just 4.8 km (3 miles) east of the Russian border, gave it significant strategic significance. The base hosted large numbers of aircraft and oversaw operations of early warning radar sites aimed at detecting Soviet military activity. It earned the nickname “Top Cover for North America” due to its critical function as part of the U.S. air defense system.
In the current U.S.–Russia relations context, JBER continues to play a vital operational role. It hosts advanced aircraft squadrons, including F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, which regularly intercept Russian military aircraft that approach or enter U.S. airspace. The base remains a symbol of U.S. military readiness against Russian threats in Alaska and the broader Arctic-Pacific region.
The base has also served as a high-security venue for diplomatic engagements. In 2025, it was chosen to host a summit between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This choice highlighted both the base’s enduring strategic importance and the irony of hosting the Russian leader at a site historically built to counter Soviet—and now Russian—military power.
The war in Ukraine is a topic of discussion between the two leaders. Trump has suggested that any major agreement could involve land swaps. He mentioned that the first meeting is to find out where they are and what they’re doing, setting the table for the second meeting. Trump stated that there’s a good chance there will be a second meeting with Putin or with both leaders.
Officials from Ukraine and Europe fear the one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin could lead to an outcome that favors Russian goals. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Trump was "very clear" that the United States wants to achieve a ceasefire at the summit.
Benjamin Jensen, senior fellow for defense and security, states that the location allows Trump to show American military strength and isolate the public from intervening. The meeting at an American military base allows leaders to avoid protests and provides an important level of security.
The Associated Press acknowledges Nathan Ellgren's contribution to the report.
In summary, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's history reflects its transformation from a Cold War frontline monitoring post against the Soviet Union to a critical continuing role in U.S. defense and diplomacy vis-à-vis Russia, particularly given its unique geographic and operational position.
References: 1. The Associated Press 2. The New York Times 3. CNN 4. The Washington Post 5. The Guardian
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