Putin Has No Designs On 49th State: ‘What Would You Need Alaska For?’

Breathe easy, Alaskans, Vladimir Putin is not interested in reclaiming your unspoiled beauty and untamed wilderness.

The Russian president was asked Thursday if he had any plans to “acquire Alaska” during an annual televised call-in show.

“What would you need Alaska for?” Putin responded, perhaps out of jest, and reminded viewers that the territory was sold to the U.S. in the 19th century. “We live in a northern country, 70 percent of our territory is in the north. Alaska’s also the north. So let’s not get excited.”

Besides, the autocrat is currently busy acquiring the much warmer region of Ukraine.

h/t Mashable