Why Putin Stopped in Magadan Before Flying to Alaska to Meet Trump

Why did Vladimir Putin make a stop in Magadan before flying to Alaska to meet Donald Trump? The reason is part practical and part symbolic. From touring a cutting-edge fish oil plant to underscoring Russia’s Pacific ambitions, the Magadan visit also gave Putin a rare “two Fridays” travel quirk before high-stakes talks in Anchorage on Ukraine, trade, and U.S.–Russia relations.

Aug 15, 2025