Putin lays flowers at graves of Soviet pilots buried in Alaska after Trump summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday laid flowers at the graves of Soviet pilots who died in Alaska during World War Two after concluding a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The pilots died in Alaska due to accidents or harsh weather conditions while training with American troops or ferrying U.S.-built aircraft to the Soviet Union under a lend-lease program.

At a joint press conference with Trump earlier on the day, Putin said Alaska represents a shared history and legacy between Russia and the United States.

He noted that during WWII, an air corridor was established through Alaska to supply military aircraft and other equipment to the Soviet Union. The pilots from both nations bravely risked their lives, contributing to the victory, he said.

Noting that Russia and the U.S. are neighbors, Putin said the shared history during WWII should help the two countries forge a mutually beneficial relationship, and Russia will always remember that the pair once stood together against a common enemy.

(With input from Reuters)