It's hard to find a more symbolic place in the entire United States that is associated with Russia. The third-smallest state in the US by population, Alaska was once a Russian colony and part of what is still nicknamed"Russian America."

This has not been the case since the 19th century, when Tsar Alexander II sold Alaska to the Americans.

History will be made in Alaska this Friday as well - that's where the summit between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is taking place.

But even before it even began, it sparked criticism both in Ukraine and among European allies, who fear that Putin will abuse it to humiliate Ukraine, or that Trump will agree to Russia's territorial claims in Ukraine.

Why did they choose Alaska?

The decision to meet in Alaska seems practical – it’s a place where the US and Russia almost touch, separated by just 90 kilometres of the Bering Strait. But beyond geography, there’s also symbolism and shared history.

Alaska was a full-fledged Russian colony from 1799 to 1867. Some Russians, including Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, have been pointing to that period on social media, posting photos of Russian Orthodox churches with their distinctive oval domes that were built in Alaska in the 19th century and still stand today.

Russia's decision to sell Alaska was motivated by the need to pay off war debts it had accumulated during the Crimean War of 1853–1856, which Russia lost against the combined forces of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire.

By that time, Russian hunters in Alaska had exterminated most of the available bears or wolves with valuable furs and skins, and therefore the Russians saw no economic reason to stay there.

Alaska seemed more of a burden than an asset, and was extremely remote even by the standards of the Russian Empire. It was sometimes called the"Siberia of Siberia."

What is the summit about?

The US president is pushing to end the war in Ukraine, but Putin's peace proposals heavily favor Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said that giving up Ukrainian territory is unacceptable, and European and NATO leaders fear that the plan could serve as a springboard for further Russian aggression in Europe.

Moreover, Trump did not invite Zelensky and only connected with him remotely via video chat today.

A substantial breakthrough, whether during today's virtual negotiations or Friday's in-person meeting, is unlikely, according to many analysts.

Why are Putin and Trump meeting?

Trump has tried hard – without much success – to end the war in Ukraine.

As a presidential candidate, he promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office. He also repeatedly claimed that the war “would never have happened” if he had been president at the time of the Russian invasion in 2022.

Last month, Trump said he was"disappointed" with Putin.

Trump has given Putin a deadline of August 8 to agree to an immediate ceasefire or face tougher US sanctions.

What is Ukraine afraid of?

That Trump will promise Putin that Ukraine will not become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. According to Kiev, NATO membership would significantly reduce the likelihood of another Russian attack in the future, because when one NATO member is attacked, the others are obliged to come to its aid.

The security alliance includes the US and other nuclear powers, the UK and France.

But Kiev's biggest nightmare is that Trump will be manipulated by Putin in Alaska to hand over some Ukrainian territory to Russia, among other concessions. The US president has already talked about a land swap, but he has also said he will try to get back some of the territory Russia has taken from Ukraine.

Another important point for Putin is to prevent any possible NATO military presence on Ukrainian territory. He also wants a new, pro-Russian government in Kiev. All of this is unacceptable to Ukraine.

Zelensky says the Alaska summit is already a"personal victory" for Putin.

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What did Trump say?

"There will be a land swap. I know that from Russia and from talking to everyone. It's good, for the good of Ukraine. Good things, not bad things. Some bad things for both of them," the US president said on Monday.

Can the Americans arrest Putin?

The International Criminal Court (ICJ) issued an international arrest warrant for Putin in connection with the war in March 2023.

The ICJ has accused the Russian leader of"responsibility for the war crime of illegally deporting children" from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

The Kremlin called the court's actions"disgusting and unacceptable."

Putin has been cautious about his travel plans since the arrest warrant was issued and hardly leaves Russia.

However, under Trump, the United States withdrew from the Treaties of Rome, which state that it must respect ICJ rulings. Thus, US authorities are not obligated to arrest Putin.