American Invasion? Russian Military Planes Detected off Alaska Amid Putin Laying Claim to Foreign Territory

Reports from the North American Aerospace Defense Command indicate that four Russian military aircraft were detected in Alaskan airspace recently, according to sources.

This occurrence came two weeks after the United States dismissed Vladimir Putin's subtle assertions regarding the U.S. state.

The Russian military planes were observed within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, yet they refrained from entering either U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.

According to Reuters, Russia confirmed that two of its Tu-95 bombers traversed waters near Alaska for approximately nine hours, escorted by two SU-30SM fighter jets. The aircraft flew over the Bering and Chukchi seas, as stated by the Russian defense ministry.

NORAD, in response to this "transgression," stated that such Russian activity within the Alaska ADIZ is customary and not deemed a threat, Newsweek reported.

"The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace," NORAD reiterated in a statement.

Alaska's historical connection to Russia was underscored, noting its previous ownership before its sale to the United States in 1867. Newsweek clarified the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the U.S. and its eventual statehood in 1959.

Recent actions by Putin, including an executive order he signed, have drawn attention to Russia's interests in Alaska. While the order does not explicitly mention Alaska, it grants rights related to the management of properties abroad, including those formerly part of the Russian Empire and the USSR.

Some analysts interpret Putin's actions as an attempt to question the legitimacy of Alaska's sale to the United States, suggesting a desire to reclaim the territory. Ukrainian blogger Igor Sushko criticized Putin's maneuver as provocative, implying a challenge to Western powers.

Russia's interest in Alaska has resurfaced periodically, with discussions initiated by Russian lawmakers and officials suggesting its return. Posters in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, have even proclaimed "Alaska is ours!"

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However, the U.S. State Department has unequivocally dismissed Putin's assertions, emphasizing that Alaska will not be returned to Russia.

State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel humorously reiterated this stance during a press briefing, highlighting the U.S. government's position on the matter.