Alaska’s complex history and strategic location add weight to the first face-to-face talks between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. View on e

When U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska on Friday, it will be the latest chapter in the 49th state’s long history with Russia — and with international tensions.

American officials quickly discovered a major snag in planning for the summit: summertime is peak tourist season in Alaska, and options both available and equipped to host the two world leaders were severely limited.