Lavrov Arrives in Alaska Wearing ‘USSR’ Shirt

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov drew attention in Anchorage, Alaska, ahead of the Trump–Putin summit, when he appeared wearing a T-shirt bearing the Cyrillic letters “CCCP” — the abbreviation for the Soviet Union — partially hidden beneath a vest. Videos of his arrival quickly circulated on social media.

Western media outlets described the clothing choice as “provocative,” noting its historical and political weight. Ukraine and several Eastern European countries were once part of the Soviet Union, and its symbols remain highly charged amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Moscow is frequently accused in the West of seeking to restore Soviet-era influence — an accusation closely tied to its invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov, however, rejected any suggestion that his outfit carried political symbolism. Speaking to the state-run Rossiya-24 channel, he emphasized that Russia was attending the Alaska talks with “clear arguments and a firm position.” He said Moscow was not pre-judging the outcome and would present its views plainly in dialogue with Washington.