“The symbolism of Alaska would be a reminder of how it was possible for the United States and Russia for most of the 19th century to transcend their ideological and political differences and their expansionisms, to have warm, friendly cooperative relations,” says David S. Foglesong, a history professor at Rutgers University - New Brunswick.

The meeting feels personal to Ukrainian refugees in the city, with two world leaders expected to discuss the fate of a war they came here to escape.

The highly anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska will take place in the city of Anchorage, the White House said on Tuesday.