President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin access to Alaska’s natural resources as part of economic incentives to end the war in Ukraine. The proposals, which will be presented during their highly anticipated meeting on August 15 in Alaska, have sparked strong criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.
According to a report by The Telegraph on August 13, Trump’s package of economic proposals includes granting Russia access to Alaska’s natural resources, lifting some US sanctions on Russia’s aircraft industry, and giving Putin access to rare earth minerals in Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly working with Trump to finalize these economic trade-offs to speed up a ceasefire agreement.
Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, a frequent Trump critic, posted on social media platform X: “so hang on…. Trump is going to offer to open up F*** ALASKA TO THE RUSSIANS?? Wow. Let’s see republicans defend this.” Another critic, Margaret Siegien, called it a “damn betrayal” and asked if Americans are “going to sit back and watch him dismantle our country piece by piece, selling out our security and economy to the highest bidder?” His reaction reflects growing concerns about Trump’s controversial diplomatic approach that has drawn criticism even from within his own party.
The proposed economic incentives raise serious questions about US strategic interests
The reported Alaska proposal involves opening the state’s valuable natural resources, especially oil and gas reserves, to Russia. Alaska’s proximity to Russia, just three miles across the Bering Strait, makes this particularly appealing for Putin’s strategic interests in the Arctic region. Russia’s Arctic region accounted for 80 percent of the country’s gas production in 2022.
The economic package also includes giving Putin access to rare earth minerals in Ukrainian territories currently under Russian control. Ukraine holds 10 percent of the world’s lithium reserves, which are used in battery production. Two-thirds of these reserves are located in areas now controlled by Russian forces.
Another element involves lifting export bans on parts and equipment needed to service Russian planes. Russia’s aviation industry has struggled under international sanctions, with many of their fleet of over 700 planes falling into disrepair. Trump’s willingness to accommodate Putin’s demands has raised questions about his priorities in the peace negotiations.
The White House declined to comment on the specific proposals, telling The Telegraph: “We do not comment on deliberative conversations that may or may not be happening. As the president stated, everyone agrees this war must come to a close, and that is what he is working towards.”
When asked directly about offering Putin access to Alaska’s resources, Trump said, “We’re going to see what happens with our meeting. We have a big meeting. It’s going to be very important for Russia and very important for us.” He added, “As far as rare earth, that’s very unimportant. I’m trying to save lives.”
The Alaska meeting represents the first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Putin since 2019. The choice of location is significant, as Alaska was once part of Russia before being sold to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million. The state holds an estimated 3.4 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 125 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Social media users have expressed anger at the prospect of opening Alaska’s resources to Russian interests. One user posted: “If true, under no circumstance can this be allowed. The president does not own America’s resources. PERIOD.” Others questioned whether Americans would support such controversial territorial arrangements.
UK government sources told The Telegraph that while such incentives might be acceptable to European allies, the terms must avoid appearing to reward Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. “The sense is that it has to be presented to align with public opinion around this, it cannot be seen as a reward for Putin,” one source stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to Friday’s summit, despite the discussions focusing on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky has previously rejected any peace deal that would involve ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia, stating that Ukrainians “will not give their land to an occupier.”
The proposals come as Trump faces growing pressure to deliver on his campaign promise to end the Ukraine war quickly. His previous diplomatic efforts have faced setbacks, with Russia rejecting earlier US ceasefire proposals. Trump’s approach to international relations continues to generate controversy both domestically and internationally.
The Alaska summit is scheduled to take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Friday, August 15. Russian officials have already confirmed their attendance, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other high-ranking officials traveling to Alaska for the talks.
Published: Aug 15, 2025 08:06 am