Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to Soviet pilots buried in Alaska on Friday, following a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The gesture highlighted a little-known chapter of World War Two collaboration between the two nations.
The pilots, who perished due to accidents or extreme weather, were part of a U.S.-Soviet lend-lease program that facilitated the delivery of American-built aircraft to support Allied efforts. Their training missions and transport operations through Alaska's harsh terrain became a vital lifeline for the Eastern Front.
"Alaska symbolizes our shared history," Putin remarked during a joint press conference, recalling how the region served as an air corridor for transporting military equipment. "These brave individuals from both countries risked everything for our common victory."
The Russian leader emphasized that the WWII alliance should inspire modern-day cooperation, stating: "As neighbors, Russia and the U.S. can build mutually beneficial ties by remembering our past unity against fascism."
The event underscores ongoing efforts to reframe historical narratives amid contemporary geopolitical tensions, offering a poignant reminder of transcontinental solidarity during global crises.
