Russia Asks Musk to Build $65B Putin-Trump Alaska Tunnel

Key Insights:

• Russia plans a 112 km rail tunnel linking Alaska and Chukotka, aiming to boost global trade routes.
• Dmitriev says Musk’s tunneling tech could cut tunnel cost from $65B to under $8B.
• Tunnel idea follows Putin-Trump call; meeting in Budapest may discuss broader cooperation plans.

A senior Russian official has proposed building a tunnel beneath the Bering Strait to link Russia and the United States. The plan was shared by Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin’s investment representative and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Dmitriev described the project as a way to promote cooperation and open new routes for trade and resource development. The tunnel would stretch 112 kilometres between Chukotka in eastern Russia and the state of Alaska. The estimated cost is about $8 billion, with completion aimed within eight years. He said funding would come from Moscow and outside investors.

A Century-Old Concept Returns

The idea of a Russia–US land connection dates back to the early 1900s. Dmitriev referred to earlier proposals, including the 1904 Siberia–Alaska railway and Russia’s 2007 government plan for a similar route.

Posting on X, he called it “an enduring vision,” and shared a Cold War-era sketch labeled the “Kennedy–Khrushchev World Peace Bridge.” He also mentioned that RDIF has studied past rail network plans connecting Russia, China, Canada, and the US.

Musk Mentioned as Potential Builder

Dmitriev suggested that Elon Musk’s tunnelling firm, The Boring Company, could help reduce the cost of the project. According to him, modern tunnel technology might lower expenses from the commonly cited $65 billion to under $8 billion.

“Imagine connecting the US and Russia, the Americas and Afro-Eurasia, with the Putin-Trump Tunnel,” he posted. “@boringcompany’s tech could reduce it to <$8B.” No response has been issued by Musk or The Boring Company so far.

Proposal Comes After Trump-Putin Call

The timing of the proposal follows a recent call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Reports suggest the two agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss possible steps toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has not formally commented on the tunnel plan. The White House has also remained silent. The suggestion appears to signal Moscow’s willingness to discuss infrastructure cooperation despite the current state of US–Russia relations.