Did Putin Really Call Russia's Sale of Alaska to the US "Illegal"? | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

The script discusses two unfounded territorial rumors involving Russia - one claiming Putin wants Alaska back, the other that Ukraine's president issued a decree to revive the Ukrainian identity of ethnic Ukrainians living in Russia. The Alaska rumor stemmed from Putin allocating funds to protect Russian assets abroad, with some falsely claiming he wants to reclaim all past Russian Empire lands. Both the U.S. and Russia mocked this rumor. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president decreed to counter Russian 'propaganda' against ethnic Ukrainians in Russia, aiming to undermine Russia though experts see no enforcement mechanism currently. The rival claims spotlight growing divisions between Russia and Ukraine.

Takeaways

• 😲 Putin did not actually declare plans to reclaim Alaska; this was an unfounded rumor.
• 📜 Putin signed a decree to protect Russian assets abroad, which sparked false rumors about Alaska.
• ☠️ The Alaska rumors falsely claim Putin wants land Russia owned between the 1700s and 1917.
• 😅 A Russian official jokingly tweeted that war with the US over Alaska is now "unavoidable".
• 🇺🇦 Zelenskyy issued a decree addressing historic Ukrainian lands now in Russia.
• ❌ Zelenskyy does not seek to reclaim these lands from Russia.
• 🙍‍♂️ His decree aims to support ethnic Ukrainians in Russia and counter propaganda.
• 😟 He wants to revive their Ukrainian identity, concerning Russia.
• 🔪 Zelenskyy's decree drives wedges into Russia's social fabric.
• 🤝 The rift between Russians and Ukrainians continues to grow deeper.

Q & A

Why did rumors start that Putin wants Alaska back?

The rumors began because of a law Putin signed allocating funds to protect Russian property abroad. The decree mentioned property of the Russian Empire, which once included Alaska, so some assumed Putin wants to reclaim all historic Russian lands.

When did Russia sell Alaska to the United States?

Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million.

What is the purpose of the decree Putin signed regarding Russian property abroad?

The decree allocates funds to help find, register and provide legal protection for Russian property being held abroad, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

How did the Russian government respond to the Alaska rumors?

Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's ally, tweeted laughing at the rumors of Russia trying to reclaim Alaska, calling the idea of an impending war over it ridiculous.

What decree did Ukrainian President Zelensky issue regarding Russian territories?

Zelensky issued a decree stating that lands in Russia were once inhabited by Ukrainians before Russia took them over. He wants to revive the Ukrainian identity there.

What is Zelensky's goal with his decree about historic Ukrainian lands in Russia?

Zelensky aims to cooperate with ethnic Ukrainians in Russia to counter Russian propaganda and potentially lay the groundwork for those areas to secede someday.

How did Alaska go from being part of the Russian Empire to becoming a U.S. state?

Alaska was part of the Russian Empire until 1867 when Russia sold it to the U.S. It later officially became a state in 1959.

Why would Russia have wanted to sell Alaska in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, Alaska was seen as a remote, frozen wasteland with little value. Russia likely wanted to get some money for the land rather than continue holding an asset they deemed worthless.

What is the current status of tensions between Russia and Ukraine?

Tensions remain high after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky's decree shows the rift between Russians and Ukrainians is growing and may persist for years.

How might the decree impact future relations between Russia and Ukraine?

It could drive wedges into Russia's social fabric. If ethnic Ukrainians gain separate identity, they may eventually want to secede from Russia and join Ukraine.