The US and Russia are technically 2.5 miles apart. Between the eastern most point of Siberia and western tip of Alaska thru the Bering Strait are 2 islands called the Diomede Islands, the Bigger one on left owned by Russia the smaller on right owned by US, are only 2.5 miles shore to shore. It is 55 miles from Alasaka shore to Russia shore. The international date line crosses between both islands and it is a 21 hour difference once crossed.