Russia Says Momentum from Putin-Trump Alaska Summit Has Faded

Russia declared on Wednesday that the diplomatic momentum generated by the August summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has significantly diminished, citing European opposition as the primary obstacle to achieving a peace agreement in Ukraine. The assessment came from Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryovkov, who indicated that the promising start from the Anchorage meeting has largely dissipated despite initial optimism.

Ryabkov directly attributed the stalled negotiations to European powers, telling reporters that "the powerful impetus of Anchorage in favor of agreements has been largely exhausted by the efforts of opponents and the efforts of supporters of the war to the last Ukrainian among Europeans." He characterized European involvement as "destructive activity" that has hampered progress toward ending the conflict that began in February 2022. The Anchorage meeting in mid-August represented the first direct talks between the Russian and American leaders since the Ukraine war began.

The Russian diplomat also addressed strategic security issues, noting that Washington has not yet responded to Moscow's proposal to voluntarily maintain the New START Treaty's central limits for one year beyond its February 2026 expiration. Ryabkov specified this extension would require that the US "does not take any measures during this year that could undermine the existing parity and balance in the area of strategic stability." President Trump appeared supportive of the proposal over the weekend, telling journalists the idea "sounds like a good idea to me."

Ryabkov issued a stern warning regarding potential US deliveries of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, urging American leadership to approach the matter "soberly, sensibly, and responsibly." He reiterated that effective use of these missiles would require direct American personnel involvement and cautioned that those advocating for such transfers should understand "the depth and gravity of the consequences." The comments come as the European Union moves to restrict Russian diplomats' movement within the bloc, a measure Russia has pledged to reciprocate with similar limitations.