Kremlin says US has abandoned "spirit of Anchorage"

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have accused the US of abandoning the so-called "spirit of Anchorage" – a concept Moscow used to describe its expectations for a settlement of the war in Ukraine.

Source: Reuters

Details: Over the past three days, three senior Russian officials have claimed that the US has walked away from commitments allegedly made during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025.

The phrase "spirit of Anchorage" (also referred to as the "Anchorage understanding") has long served as a key element of Russian diplomacy and propaganda. The Kremlin used the term to promote its belief that Trump supported Russia's main demand: the handing over of the entire Donbas to Moscow in exchange for freezing the line of contact. Although the US has never officially confirmed that any such agreement existed, Russia has repeatedly used the phrase to create the impression that Washington had accepted these terms.

The Kremlin now says the concept has effectively collapsed. Ushakov claimed that only Russia had remained committed to the understandings, while the US had failed to fulfil its part. He added that Moscow no longer expects those commitments to be honoured and is focused solely on securing its own "victory".

Lavrov went further, describing the Alaska meeting as an American "ploy" designed to buy time for Ukraine to rebuild and rearm its military. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov likewise said that the US had backed away from "fundamental understandings", although he added that contact with Washington will continue.

"We also see Washington's line moving closer to the most rabid anti-Russian policies pursued by the US's closest European allies – namely, the UK and France," he said.

Crisis Group's Senior Analyst for Russia Oleg Ignatov said the Kremlin's rhetoric reflects deep disappointment. Russia had expected the US to act as a mediator and help bring the war to an end on terms favourable to Moscow. Instead, the Trump administration's attention has shifted towards confrontation with Iran since February.

Background:

• On 15 August 2025, Trump and Putin met at a military base in Anchorage. The meeting ended without any agreements being reached or any ceasefire being announced. However, shortly afterwards, the phrase "spirit of Anchorage" began appearing in official Russian rhetoric.
• In October 2025, Ryabkov said there was "no alternative" to the "spirit of Anchorage", arguing that the meeting had established the framework for future negotiations. By early 2026, however, Russia's rhetoric had begun to change. In March, Lavrov said the positive atmosphere surrounding the talks had faded and that the "spirit of Anchorage" was "evaporating" because of the US position.
• On 23 June, Dan Negrea, US Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, said Washington continues to support Ukraine in defending its freedom and sovereignty. He urged Russia to return to negotiations immediately and conclude a peace agreement, adding that time in this war is no longer on Moscow's side.

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