Before President Donald Trump sits down with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a highly-anticipated summit in Alaska to discuss Moscow's war on Ukraine, experts emphasize the historical significance of this meeting location, specifically how the United States purchased the land from Russia back in 1867.

“The symbolism of Alaska would be a reminder of how it was possible for the United States and Russia for most of the 19th century to transcend their ideological and political differences and their expansionisms, to have warm, friendly cooperative relations,” says David S. Foglesong, a history professor at Rutgers University - New Brunswick.

President Donald Trump said his goal is to save Ukrainian and Russian lives during Friday's peace summit that will be held at a military base in Alaska.