Alaskan Islanders Are Learning Russian Amid Fear of Russian Invasion

Residents of Little Diomede Island in Alaska have begun learning Russian, fearing that Russia might one day annex the territory, The Economist reported.

According to the outlet, the island is located just 3.5 kilometers away from Ratmanov Island — the easternmost point of Russia.

Journalists who visited the area described the daily lives of roughly 100 inhabitants and called the island “the front line of the Arctic battle” between the US and Russia.

“Some residents are learning Russian out of concern that Russia could eventually take control of the island,” the report stated.

In winter, it takes only about 30 minutes to walk across the ice from one island to the other. This used to be common practice, especially before the Cold War began. Now, due to the tense geopolitical situation, such interactions have ceased entirely, and residents only observe one another from afar.

“We watch them, and they watch us,” said a local resident named Edward.

Locals also point out that the island is slowly drifting toward Russian territory — at a rate of 1–2 meters per year. “Maybe the islands are trying to fix something. Maybe they love each other?” said one resident jokingly. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”