Ukrainian forces are increasing the intensity of long-range drone strikes deep into Russia ahead of Friday's planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin.

American officials are rushing to finalize details ahead of Friday’s summit talks between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, with both logistical and geopolitical issues still unsettled four days ahead of the momentous sit-down.

Unlike Putin’s military seizure of about a fifth of Ukraine, Russia’s 19th-century sale of Alaska to the US under Emperor Alexander II was a peaceful transaction. Still, it serves as a reminder that national borders are not set in stone, and land can be a currency for statecraft.