Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, has expressed an understanding of the term “Anchorage spirit,” often referenced in Kremlin discussions. He explained that this term signifies the acceptance of Russia’s claim over the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Budanov stated that this concept is derived from the discussions during last summer’s summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. He noted that the interpretation varies by perspective; for Russia, it’s about what they refer to as “three plus two.”
In his explanation, “three” corresponds to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while “plus two” refers to parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions currently under Russian control. He emphasized that these conditions imply an end to the war with full recognition of Russian sovereignty over these territories, encapsulating what the Russians mean by “Anchorage spirit.”
Budanov firmly stated that such terms are completely unacceptable for Ukraine in the context of ending the conflict.
Context
- On June 21, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that Moscow no longer expects to fulfill agreements reached in Anchorage, shifting focus to achieving its own goals in the conflict.
- On June 25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that no agreements were made in Alaska, only proposals presented, which Putin later acknowledged.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga is confident that if the “Anchorage spirit” ever existed, it is now entirely dead.
