Secrets of Preparation: How the U.S. Secret Service Organized Trump’s and Putin’s Summit in Alaska
The preparation process for the scheduled meeting in the remote reaches of America — in Alaska — turned into a true test for American law enforcement agencies.
According to information obtained from Bloomberg, all organizational and security arrangements for this event evolved into an extremely tense and rapid ‘sprint’ on the brink of possibility.
Less than a week after the announcement of the negotiations, the only Secret Service agent responsible for the preparations began coordinating an exceptionally complex operation involving hundreds of staff and specialized equipment to ensure the safety of both leaders.
This posed a unique challenge, as it was necessary to securely protect the American and Russian presidents simultaneously in a small region, where each is surrounded by a heavily armed security detail.
Despite U.S.
laws allowing unrestricted transportation of weapons and communication equipment, logistical challenges arose due to Alaska’s geographical peculiarities — limited hotel availability and a small car rental market.
Most resources are transported by aircraft from the mainland, and the meeting will take place at Elmendorf-Richardson military base, located less than a thousand miles from Russia.
This base was chosen because of its strategic position, controlled airspace, fortified gates, and immediate access to military units.
According to Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy, this military facility helps resolve many logistical issues, especially during the peak tourist season when hotels and cars are in short supply.
For both delegations, protocols and logistical arrangements are meticulously coordinated beforehand: each vehicle, translator team, hotel room allocation, and secure zones are planned with mutual agreement.
Experts note that this is one of the most complex diplomatic gathering in recent history — every element of mobility and security is carefully calculated and coordinated.
Importantly, Russia and the U.S.
adhere to reciprocity rules, meaning Putin’s movement will be controlled by Russian security, while U.S.
Secret Service oversees external control and situation management.
Neither side will open the other’s doors or use their transport to prevent provocations.
Even translator seating and conference rooms, along with safe waiting zones, are separately agreed upon.
Currently, preparations are nearly complete, awaiting official approval from Russian authorities.
Hundreds of agents have already arrived in Anchorage, city hotels are fully booked, and airport facilities are cleared for motorcades.
Local police and security services operate at heightened alert, ensuring security and order.
Trump, expressing his expectations for the upcoming summit, said he anticipates positive outcomes but remains cautious about possible surprises.
He also criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky’s comments on constitutional amendments needed for land exchanges, emphasizing that such matters require Ukrainian internal decisions.
Despite the diplomatic tension, this summit remains a pivotal event that could significantly influence future international negotiations.