The residents of Little Diomede Island in Alaska have started learning Russian out of concern that Russia may annex the area, The Economist reported. According to the magazine, the island is located just 3.5 kilometers from Ratmanov Island, Russia's easternmost point.
Journalists described the daily lives of approximately 100 residents living on Little Diomede, calling the island the "front line of the Arctic battle" between Russia and the USA.
"Some residents of the island are learning Russian, fearing that Russia will eventually take control of it," the report states.
In winter, it is possible to walk on ice between the two islands and reach each other in half an hour. Previously, especially before the Cold War began, such connections were common. However, due to the current complex geopolitical situation, these connections have ceased, and the islanders are limited to observing each other from a distance.
"We watch them, and they watch us," says a citizen named Edward living on Little Diomede.
At the same time, locals say that the island is slowly moving towards the Russian island at a rate of 1-2 meters per year. "The islands are trying to fix something. Maybe they love each other?" says a local representative.
