Russian propaganda tries to portray Alaskans as welcoming Putin

Russian state media, Telegram channels, and bot accounts on X are spreading photos allegedly showing a restaurant in Anchorage, Alaska — the site of the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — that supposedly created an exclusive dish in honor of the Russian dictator’s visit.

This is fake. The restaurant in the photo is not even in Alaska. It is actually located in Minnesota, six kilometers east of the town of Longville, and simply happens to be called “Anchorage.”

The original photo was taken in March 2025 and shows other dishes on the menu — none named after Putin.

Russian media have also circulated a video claiming to show a massive rush of customers at a Russian restaurant called Pel’meni in Anchorage, supposedly because locals and journalists covering Putin’s visit wanted to try Russian food.

This is also fake. In the video, three out of four tables are occupied — far from any “crowd” or “lines” that would suggest overwhelming demand.

It should be noted that Anchorage, though the state capital, has a population of fewer than 300 people due to Alaska’s harsh climate, and the town has only a small number of restaurants. Given the influx of international journalists for the summit, some increase in activity at local establishments is to be expected.

Thus, Russian propaganda is doing its utmost to create the impression that dictator Vladimir Putin is supposedly popular among ordinary Alaskans.

In reality, Putin will not be greeted with special dishes but with protests. Local residents are buying Ukrainian flags and preparing demonstrations against the Russian leader. Organizers have said their rallies will send clear messages to both Trump and Putin.

Earlier, Russian propaganda spread fake stories about alleged mass domestic violence among Ukrainian servicemen.

Andriy Olenin