The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) military base in Anchorage will host an extraordinary diplomatic meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, confirmed multiple media sources. Official information from the White House is still scarce, but Press Secretary Caroline Levitt described the upcoming meeting as a strategic opportunity for "listening and understanding".
The spokesperson emphasized that the meeting will be one-on-one and aimed at more in-depth exploration of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. "The only party that will be present is the President of the United States," Levitt stated, highlighting the intention to better understand the war and potential ways to end it.
Parallel to the diplomatic meeting, local progressive organizations in Anchorage are planning demonstrations. Groups Stand UP Alaska and Alaska March On announced protest actions on Thursday and Friday, which will be held in various parts of the city, including in front of the offices of American senators.
The history of the JBER military base is extremely rich in diplomatic events. Before its current format, the base - known as Elmendorf Air Force Base - has hosted numerous world leader meetings. Its strategic geographical location makes it a convenient transit point between Washington, Asia, and Europe.
Among the notable historical meetings are those of President Nixon with Emperor Hirohito in 1971 - the first step of a Japanese monarch on foreign soil, as well as the brief visits of President Reagan in the 1980s.
Founded in 1940, the base gained exceptional strategic importance during the Cold War, serving as a key defensive object against potential Soviet threat. Its role in US national security continues to be of exceptional importance today.
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin appears to be another proof of the diplomatic significance of this military complex, which has witnessed numerous historical political moments.