A bold proposal to build a rail tunnel connecting Russia and Alaska via the Bering Strait has sparked mixed reactions from global leaders, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling the idea "interesting" while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced clear opposition during a Washington visit.
The "Putin-Trump Tunnel" concept, proposed by Kirill Dmitriev of Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund, envisions a 112-kilometer link to facilitate resource exploration and symbolize unity. Dmitriev suggested the $8 billion project could be completed in eight years with international partners, potentially involving Elon Musk's Boring Company for construction.
"We'll have to think about that," Trump remarked during Zelenskyy's White House visit, where the Ukrainian leader instead prioritized resolving the ongoing conflict between their nations. The Bering Strait crossing concept – first proposed 150 years ago – would connect Russia's Chukotka region to Alaska at its narrowest 82-kilometer span.
While Dmitriev cited discussions with U.S. energy firms about Arctic investments, analysts note the proposal emerges amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The tunnel debate coincides with planned U.S.-Russia talks about Ukraine, underscoring the complex interplay between infrastructure ambitions and diplomatic realities in the Arctic region.
