A report says former President Donald Trump may be looking at ways to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to end the war in Ukraine. One idea mentioned is letting Russia tap into natural resources off Alaska’s coast, as well as minerals in parts of Ukraine that Russia currently controls. This information was first reported by The Daily Telegraph and summarized by Newsweek.
The report claims that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reviewing possible economic trade-offs, such as giving Russia access to rare earth minerals or allowing exploration in the Bering Strait, the narrow stretch of water between Alaska and Russia. However, the White House has not confirmed that such proposals are real. When asked for comment, officials said they don’t speak on “conversations that may or may not be happening.”
The idea has caused outrage online. Former congressman Adam Kinzinger posted on X that it would be shocking if Trump actually offered Alaska’s resources to Russia. Other social media users argued that a U.S. president does not own America’s natural resources and has no right to trade them away.
Why this matters: If Russia gained access to these areas, it could strengthen its presence in the Arctic, an already tense region where energy resources and shipping routes are strategically important. Trump has also made past deals involving minerals with other countries, so some say this type of move fits his “America First” style of negotiations.
Trump is set to meet Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. His goal is to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine after more than three years of fighting. Reports suggest he may offer economic opportunities in return for peace, possibly including the removal of U.S. sanctions on Russia’s industries.
Ukraine is believed to hold about 10% of the world’s lithium reserves, which are critical for making batteries, and two major deposits are in areas Russia currently occupies. The Bering Strait region is also thought to contain large oil and gas reserves, making the issue even more important.
Experts warn that offering resources could conflict with Trump’s earlier threats of “very severe” consequences if Russia refused to stop the war. Some economists argue that keeping strong sanctions in place would actually be a better strategy, since Russia’s economy is already struggling with high deficits, labor shortages, and rising interest rates.
In Anchorage, thousands of people are expected to protest Putin’s visit. Trump has suggested that after his meeting with Putin, there could be a second round of talks that might include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.