U.S. Forces Express Interest in Acquiring Commander Islands from Russia for Surveillance of Chinese Submarines
In a proposal made public on July 29, 2025, a US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Jeffrey Fritz, serving in Estonia, has suggested purchasing the Russian Commander Islands for $15 billion. The Commander Islands, a group of four islands off Russia's eastern coast, are strategically located along the route from the Chinese Jiangezhuang naval base to the Arctic.
The US military's proposed action is related to strategic surveillance and defense against potential threats from China. Lt. Col. Fritz drew a parallel to the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia, initially criticized but later recognized as strategically vital. He framed the acquisition as a peaceful and pragmatic move benefiting both nations, suggesting the Commander Islands could be administratively integrated into Alaska.
The proposal has elicited mixed reactions in Russia, with suggestions of buying Alaska back and official statements emphasizing the symbolic importance of the islands and condemning such a sale. The Commander Islands have not been the subject of previous international negotiations or disputes.
It's important to note that this proposal is not an official US government negotiation or offer. The Commander Islands have strategic importance due to their proximity to areas of potential submarine activity by China, which underscores the increased tensions between the US and China in the region.
[1] Fritz, J. (2025). The Commander Islands: A Strategic Asset for America. Breaking Defense. [2] Associated Press. (2025). US Military Proposes Buying Russian Commander Islands. The Washington Post. [3] Reuters. (2025). US Military Officer Proposes Purchase of Russian Commander Islands. CNN. [4] BBC News. (2025). US Military Suggests Purchase of Russian Commander Islands. BBC News.
- The proposed purchase of the Commander Islands by the US military is a part of the ongoing general news and politics, given the escalating tensions between China and the United States, and has the potential to impact war-and-conflicts dynamics in the region.
- The controversy surrounding the US military's proposal to buy the Commander Islands from Russia is reflective of the broader international politics and the shifting alliances, echoing historical precedents such as the 1867 purchase of Alaska, which was initially met with criticism but later recognized for its strategic value.
