Kremlin says “spirit of Anchorage” underpins Russia–US talks

Russia and the United States are continuing work on agreements reached by their presidents during talks in Alaska, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Speaking at a briefing, Peskov said the two sides were following up on a set of mutual understandings that had emerged both before and during the Alaska meeting. He explained that these understandings, which had been discussed earlier during a visit to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff, highlighted the need for a summit-level meeting between the two leaders, Caliber.Az reports via TASS. 

Addressing the so-called “Spirit of Anchorage,” Peskov said it referred to a framework of shared understandings between Moscow and Washington that could help produce a breakthrough, including progress toward a settlement related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He described the agreements reached in Alaska as key foundations for advancing the settlement process.

Peskov emphasised that the Kremlin preferred not to disclose details of the discussions, arguing that sensitive diplomatic issues were better addressed behind closed doors rather than through public, high-profile negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump met on August 15 at the Elmendorf–Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska, for talks focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders were not included in the meeting.

Zelenskyy later criticised the talks, describing them as a personal success for Russian President Vladimir Putin and saying he believed Moscow was seeking to reduce international isolation and delay further sanctions rather than pursue genuine peace efforts.

By Sabina Mammadli