Ukraine has declared the so-called "Spirit of Anchorage" dead after Russia was forced to admit it is struggling with fuel shortages. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hit out at Moscow's claims that it had reached secret "understandings" with the US during last year's Alaska summit, saying those hopes have been shattered.
Sybiha Mocks Russian Claims
"The reality makes one thing clear: if the 'Spirit of Anchorage' even existed, it is certainly dead now," Sybiha said, mocking Russia's repeated claims that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had struck informal agreements during the August 2025 meeting. The comments came after Russian officials acknowledged severe fuel shortages affecting military and civilian sectors.
Background of the Alaska Summit
The August 2025 summit in Anchorage, Alaska, between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was initially hailed by Moscow as a breakthrough, with Russian state media suggesting secret pacts had been made. However, Ukraine and Western allies remained skeptical, warning against any deals that could undermine Kyiv's sovereignty.
Fuel Shortages Expose Russian Weakness
Russia's admission of fuel shortages marks a significant shift, as Moscow had previously downplayed economic pressures from sanctions. The shortages are attributed to ongoing Western sanctions and logistical failures, impacting both military operations and domestic supply. This development undermines Russia's narrative of strength following the summit.
Ukraine's Stance
Ukraine has consistently opposed any US-Russia agreements that exclude Kyiv. Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine's position remains unchanged: no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine. The foreign minister called on international partners to maintain pressure on Moscow, emphasizing that the "Spirit of Anchorage" was a fiction designed to divide allies.
