Elon Musk Podcast

Russia Wants Musk to Dig “Putin-Trump Tunnel” to Alaska

9 snips
Oct 20, 2025
The Kremlin's ambitious $8 billion proposal for a Bering Strait tunnel has sparked intrigue, suggesting a link between Russia and the U.S. named after Putin and Trump. The project aims to showcase peace but raises eyebrows about Moscow's true intentions. With immense engineering challenges like seismic activity and extreme cold, the feasibility is questionable. Moreover, the potential use of this tunnel for testing technologies relevant to Mars could be a game-changer for Musk. However, skepticism abounds regarding the underlying motives and security risks involved.
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INSIGHT

Kremlin's Bering Strait Pitch

  • Russia proposed an $8 billion tunnel under the Bering Strait linking Russia and Alaska as a diplomatic and infrastructure pitch.
  • The Kremlin framed it as cooperation while seeking strategic Arctic connectivity and business ties.
INSIGHT

Extreme Engineering Challenges

  • The project would be nearly 100 kilometers long and serve passengers and cargo via high-speed electric trains reminiscent of Hyperloop ideas.
  • Engineering challenges include seismic activity, shifting ice, extreme cold, water sealing, and limited construction windows.
INSIGHT

Beyond Boring Company's Experience

  • The tunnel would far exceed the Boring Company's past projects and push technical limits well beyond Musk's existing work.
  • It would require new solutions for sealing, tectonic resilience, and Arctic logistics unlike urban tunnels.
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