The US State Closest to Russia: Alaska

No U.S. state borders Russia. The closest is **Alaska**, separated by the **Bering Strait**.

Distances

• Diomede Islands: **Big Diomede (Russia)** and **Little Diomede (USA, Alaska)** are **~3.8 km (2.4 miles)** apart. In winter, ice bridge forms—technically walkable (illegal).
• Mainland Alaska (Cape Prince of Wales) → Mainland Russia (Cape Dezhnev): **~82 km (51 miles)**.
• Anchorage → Provideniya (Chukotka): ~1,000 km (620 mi) flight.

Historical Context

• **Russian America (1799–1867):** Russia colonized Alaska. Sold to US for $7.2M (1867).
• **Cold War:** "Ice Curtain" closed Bering Strait (1948–1988). "Friendship Flights" resumed 1988.
• **Today:** Visa-free travel for Chukotka/Alaska Natives (limited). No commercial flights.

Other States?

Hawaii is ~5,500 km from Russia (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky). Continental US: ~6,500+ km.

Alaska is the only answer. It shares a maritime border and historical intimacy with Russia unique among US states.