Russia Proposed Territorial Compromises in Alaska During Ukraine Talks

Vedomosti source says Russia was open to concessions in Alaska, but not on Donbass status, during negotiations with US in 2025

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to a Vedomosti source close to the negotiation process, Russia was open to making some territorial "compromises" in Alaska during talks with the United States in Anchorage in August 2025, as part of broader cooperation efforts. However, Russia was unwilling to compromise on the status of the Donbass region in Ukraine. The source said Russia is still open to continuing negotiations, but only if the U.S. takes more decisive action to pressure Ukraine and the EU.

Why it matters

The revelations about potential Russian territorial concessions in Alaska during the Ukraine talks provide a rare glimpse into the negotiation dynamics between Russia and the U.S. It suggests Russia may have been willing to make some geopolitical compromises, but the two sides were unable to reach a broader agreement, underscoring the complexities of the conflict.

The details

According to the Vedomosti source, Russia was open to discussing the size of Ukraine's armed forces and other territorial "compromises" in Alaska as part of establishing broader cooperation with the U.S., including economic cooperation. However, Russia was unwilling to compromise on the status of the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine. The source said Russia is still open to continuing negotiations, but only if the U.S. takes more decisive action to pressure Ukraine and the EU.

  • The talks between Russia and the U.S. took place in Anchorage, Alaska in August 2025.

The players

Vedomosti

A prominent Russian business newspaper.

Sergey Lavrov

Russia's Foreign Minister.

Dmitry Peskov

Spokesperson for the Russian President.

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What they’re saying

“But for now, Washington is unwilling and unable to exert the necessary pressure on Kiev, and is also trying to oust Russia from global energy markets and continues to use sanctions, which calls into question the relevance of the "spirit of Anchorage.”

— Vedomosti source, Source close to the negotiation process (Vedomosti)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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