Posted 1/23/2024, 1:42:10 AM
Fact Check: Viral Post Makes Fake Claim About Putin Calling Alaska Purchase 'Illegal'
- A viral social media post claimed Putin declared 1867 Alaska sale to US as 'illegal'
- The claim originated from a fake January 2024 article saying Putin signed a decree on this
- Russia actually offered to sell Alaska to US in 1867 to counter Britain's power
- US bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million on March 30, 1867
- Alaska proved strategically important to US, especially during World War II