During a recent interview on Russia’s state-run television, Sergey Mikheyev, a Russian political scientist, proposed the idea of expanding Russia’s “empire” to include three American states.
The video of the comments started to go viral on social media on Friday after being shared by Anton Gerashchenko, a vocal opponent of Russia and a former advisor to Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the clip, Mikheyev mentioned the specific territories he believes Russia should acquire, which include three western states in the United States and two European nations that are members of NATO.
“I desire the Russian empire to include Alaska, Hawaii, California, Finland, and Poland,” he expressed, as Gerashchenko translated in the video he shared. “Although I must admit, I have reservations about Poland and Finland. We will strive to improve their conditions.”
The host of the program wasted no time in dismissing Mikheyev’s comment as mere “wishful thinking” that was disconnected from the realities of politics.
The host acknowledged the idea, but emphasized the distinction between wishful thinking and the realities of politics.
On the other hand, Gerashchenko was not quick to dismiss the political scientist’s remarks as mere fantasy.
Gerashchenko asserts that Russian propagandists have aspirations for a new world order and, surprisingly, they genuinely believe in it.
On Saturday morning, U.S. officials were contacted by Newsweek via email for comment.
Russia colonized the territory now known as Alaska before the United States purchased it in 1867 for approximately $152 million. With Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine and its talk of annexing other countries and territories, there have been suggestions of retaking Alaska from the U.S. Russian lawmaker Sergei Mironov, in a translated social media post by Gerashchenko, hinted at the possibility of taking land from Alaska while discussing the weakening oversight of the U.S.
“Here you have it, a new world order,” he stated. “Venezuela is now incorporating its 24th state, Guyana-Essekibo, right under the watchful eye of the once dominant USA. The only thing remaining is for Mexico to reclaim Texas and the remaining territories. It is high time for Americans to contemplate their future, including Alaska.”
During a Q&A panel in 2014, a constituent asked Russian President Vladimir Putin about the possibility of retaking Alaska. In response, Putin appeared dismissive and advised the individual not to get too concerned about it.
“Why would you want Alaska?” Putin inquired. “Interestingly, Alaska was sold in the 19th century, just like Louisiana, which was sold to the United States by the French. Thousands of square kilometers were acquired for a mere $7.2 million, paid in gold.” The Russian leader also referred to the transaction as a bargain.
In January, Putin raised concerns about Alaska when he signed a decree that allocated funds for the search, registration, and legal protection of Russian property abroad. This includes property in the former territories of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, which would encompass Alaska, the 49th state.
