Kremlin Floats Ambitious “Putin-Trump Tunnel” Plan to Connect Russia and US
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning proposal that’s already sending ripples through geopolitical circles, a top Kremlin envoy has suggested building a massive rail and freight tunnel under the Bering Strait, directly linking Russia and the United States. The project, playfully dubbed the “Putin-Trump tunnel,” comes as President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.
The Bering Strait, a narrow waterway separating Russia and Alaska, has long been considered a potential site for a transcontinental connection.
A $8 Billion Vision of Unity
Kirill Dmitriev, President Putin’s investment envoy and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund RDIF, unveiled the plan Thursday evening, pitching it as an $8 billion construction project. Dmitriev believes the 70-mile (112 km) tunnel could be completed in under eight years, financed by Moscow and “international partners.” The core idea? To unlock joint exploration of natural resources and, as Dmitriev put it, “symbolize unity” between the two nations. He even tagged Elon Musk and his tunnel-building company, The Boring Company, on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting they could drastically reduce construction costs from the traditionally estimated $65 billion.
Echoes of History: A 150-Year Dream
This isn’t the first time someone has dreamed of bridging the gap between Russia and North America. Ideas for connecting the two continents have surfaced for over 150 years, dating back to proposals for a Siberia-Alaska Railway in 1904. Dmitriev highlighted previous plans, including the US-Canada-Russia-China Railway, stating RDIF would support the “most feasible” option. He even referenced a Cold War-era proposal for a “Kennedy-Khrushchev world peace bridge,” sharing a historical sketch of its potential route.
A historical sketch of a proposed “Kennedy-Khrushchev world peace bridge” across the Bering Strait.
Beyond Infrastructure: Geopolitical Implications
The timing of this proposal is particularly noteworthy. Coming after a phone call between Putin and Trump focused on Ukraine, the tunnel idea appears to be a bold attempt to revive US-Russia ties. Dmitriev, who has close connections to Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, has previously discussed potential US energy company investments in Russian Arctic projects. The tunnel, therefore, isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s a potential cornerstone of a broader geopolitical strategy.
The Boring Company & Technological Feasibility
Dmitriev’s suggestion of The Boring Company is intriguing. Known for its rapid tunnel construction techniques, the company has revolutionized underground transportation projects. While the Bering Strait presents unique challenges – including seismic activity, permafrost, and extreme weather – Musk’s technology could potentially bring the project’s cost down to a more manageable level. However, significant engineering hurdles remain, and the political will to undertake such a massive, collaborative project is far from guaranteed.
A Transcontinental Future?
RDIF’s previous success in building the first railway bridge between Russia and China demonstrates their capability in large-scale infrastructure projects. Dmitriev passionately argues that the time has come to connect the continents, envisioning a future where Russia and the United States are linked not just by diplomacy, but by a physical connection that could reshape global trade and cooperation. Whether this ambitious vision will become a reality remains to be seen, but the proposal has undeniably sparked a conversation about the possibilities – and the challenges – of a truly interconnected world. Stay tuned to Archyde for continuing coverage of this developing story and its potential impact on global affairs.
