By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Kremlin envoy has proposed a “Putin-Trump” rail tunnel connecting eastern Russia and Alaska to symbolize unity, envisioning it could be built by Elon Musk’s Boring Company within eight years for approximately $8 billion. This 70-mile rail and cargo link under the Bering Strait aims to unlock joint exploration of natural resources, with potential funding from Moscow and international partners. The proposal, made by Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow’s special envoy, follows recent discussions between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump about ending the war in Ukraine. Though the idea is not new, Dmitriev suggests it could be a mega-project, despite the implications of sanctions.
Read the original article here
So, the Kremlin is tossing around the idea of a 70-mile tunnel, a sort of subterranean handshake, between the US and Russia. And who gets the nod to do the digging? None other than Elon Musk. It’s the kind of headline that makes you do a double-take, right? “Putin-Trump” tunnel – it’s almost like something straight out of a dystopian novel. The immediate thought that pops into my head is, why? Who is this actually for?
The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. Seventy miles under the Bering Strait. It’s a Herculean task, even for a guy like Musk who seems to thrive on the impossible. The challenges are obvious: the cost, the geological instability of the region, and of course, the sheer logistics of it all. Someone mentioned the Channel Tunnel, which was significantly shorter and less complex, but still cost billions. This project would probably dwarf that, potentially reaching into the tens of billions of dollars. And that’s before you even factor in operational costs, maintenance, and the complexities of dealing with the harsh Arctic conditions.
Then there’s the question of practicality. What’s the traffic going to be like? The West Coast of Alaska isn’t exactly the busiest thoroughfare, at least not with road traffic. The remote nature of the region and the potential for seasonal closures also make it questionable. The idea of this being for trade seems unlikely, given the existing logistical challenges, and I can’t imagine there’s enough commerce traveling to justify it.
There’s also the underlying political element. The very mention of “Putin-Trump” sparks immediate questions of motive and intent. A tunnel between the US and Russia would undeniably alter the geopolitical landscape. It’s hard to ignore the security concerns, the potential for misuse, and the implications for national sovereignty. I mean, let’s be honest, the idea of a direct, underground link to Russia, especially given the current political climate, raises eyebrows. Some might say it’s a way for Putin to get tanks across the Bering Strait, and that’s a scary thought.
On the subject of Trump, the idea of him being connected to such a project naturally ignites further cynicism. Many people remember the accusations of Trump’s involvement with Russia and the subsequent lack of consequence, which casts a long shadow over the proposal. Some speculate on the potential financial benefits for him and his associates, perhaps through royalty rights on toll roads.
And, of course, there’s the Musk factor. The tunnel would be “Built by Musk.” Musk is a controversial figure, and some people aren’t confident in his abilities, pointing to his performance in other endeavors. The fact that the project might involve Musk only adds another layer of speculation and doubt.
Beyond the technical and political aspects, the tunnel proposal seems bizarre on its face. The sheer absurdity of the idea is almost comical. It feels like a fantasy, a fever dream, that will never become a reality. I can’t help but be skeptical about the true intentions behind the proposal. What is Russia hoping to gain? Some think it’s a way for Putin to exert greater control, perhaps even a backdoor for the military.
The whole thing feels like a punchline. Someone says it makes as much sense as “selling ice to Eskimos” and I think they have a point. The absurdity is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Ultimately, the “Kremlin proposes 70-mile ‘Putin-Trump’ tunnel linking US and Russia – built by Musk” sounds like a headline tailor-made for our crazy times.