"US Rejects Putin's Claim on Alaska: 'Not Happening'"

The US State Department dismissed reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a decree to reclaim former Russian "real estate," including Alaska, with a spokesperson stating that Russia "certainly is not getting it back." While it is unclear if Putin had his sights on Alaska, the prospect of Moscow reclaiming the territory has been referenced by Russian politicians in the past. The purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 marked the end of Russian presence in North America and ensured US access to the Pacific northern rim.