Top Russian Diplomat Praises Putin-Trump Relationship

Lavrov says 'mutual fondness' and 'respect' led to understandings at Russia-US summit in Alaska

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump as "excellent", stating that their "mutual fondness" and "respect" were key factors in reaching certain understandings during a Russia-US summit in Anchorage, Alaska in 2025.

Why it matters

The comments from Lavrov provide insight into the dynamics between the Russian and US leadership, at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions between the two countries. The characterization of the Putin-Trump relationship as "excellent" contrasts with the current strained relations between Russia and the US under the Biden administration.

The details

According to Lavrov, the "Anchorage spirit" - referring to the understandings reached at the 2025 summit - is now a "hot-button issue" that Europe and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are trying to "ruin". Lavrov emphasized that these understandings were agreed upon by the two leaders and Russia will continue to ensure they are honored in its interactions with the US.

  • The Russia-US summit in Anchorage, Alaska took place on August 15, 2025.
  • Lavrov made the comments about the Putin-Trump relationship during a "government hour" in the Russian State Duma on February 11, 2026.

The players

Sergey Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister, who described the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump as "excellent".

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, who Lavrov said had a relationship of "mutual fondness" and "respect" with former US President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who Lavrov said had an "excellent" relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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What they’re saying

“As for the relationship between Presidents Putin and Trump, it's excellent. This is truly so.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (TASS)

“This mutual fondness, this mutual respect, is the underlying factor for understandings reached" during the Russia-US summit in Anchorage.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (TASS)

The takeaway

The comments from Lavrov suggest that despite the current tensions between Russia and the US, there remains an underlying respect and fondness between the leadership of the two countries, dating back to the Putin-Trump era. This could have implications for future Russia-US relations, depending on the political dynamics in both countries.