Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to allocate funds for the research and registration of Russian property overseas, sparking speculation about former territories, including Alaska.
The State Department dismissed the idea of Alaska returning to Russia, emphasizing it would remain in American hands.
Military bloggers suggested Putin’s decree might be used to question the legality of the 1867 sale of Alaska to the U.S.
A spokesman for the US State Department was unaware Putin issued a decree calling the sale of Alaska to the US illegitimate.
State Dept. Spokesperson says: "Certainly he's not getting it back." pic.twitter.com/sPVVkJxqGH
— AnalyzingAmerica (@AnalyzAmerica) January 27, 2024
“Well, I think I can speak for all of us in the U.S. government to say that certainly he’s not getting it back,” State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel stated.
The Institute for the Study of War highlighted the potential for Russia to use claims over its former territories to exert soft power.
“The Kremlin may use the ‘protection’ of its claimed property in countries outside of its internationally recognized borders to forward soft power mechanisms in post-Soviet and neighboring states ultimately aimed at internal destabilization,” the institute wrote.
Putin previously downplayed the sale, while a Russian lawmaker hinted at Moscow reclaiming previous territories in the future.
“We can calculate the equivalent amount, but it was definitely inexpensive. Russia is a northern country with 70 percent of its territory located in the north and the far north. Alaska is not located in the southern hemisphere, either, is it? It’s cold out there as well. Let’s not get worked up about it, all right?” Putin said.
“Did you want a new world order? Receive and sign. Venezuela annexed a 24th state, Guyana-Essequibo. This is happening right under the nose of the once great hegemon of the United States. All that remains is for Mexico to return Texas and the rest. It’s time for Americans to think about their future. And also about Alaska,” attorney Sergei Mironov wrote.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev joked about the situation on social media.
“According to a State Department representative, Russia is not getting back Alaska, which was sold to the U.S. in the 19th century. This is it, then. And we’ve been waiting for it to be returned any day. Now war is unavoidable,” Medvedev said online.
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