European officials view Ukraine’s concerns that Russia and the United States reached a deal in Anchorage to place Donbass under Russian control as unfounded, the Times reported.

Talks between the presidents of Russia and the United States took place on August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage. The leaders discussed options for settling the conflict in Ukraine and both described the meeting as positive. Following the summit, the Russian president said the process could be brought to an end and stressed Russia’s interest in a long-term settlement.

A European government adviser, speaking anonymously, told the newspaper that Kiev had for some time been worried that US President Donald Trump might have agreed during his August 2025 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to Russian control over all of Donbass. The adviser suggested that these fears could amount to paranoia on Ukraine’s part.

The US administration previously announced it was developing a plan for a Ukraine settlement, while declining to disclose details, citing ongoing work. The Kremlin said Russia remains open to negotiations and continues engagement within the Anchorage platform.

On Saturday, January 25, the second day of talks concluded for a trilateral security working group involving representatives of Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. The UAE government described the meeting as positive and constructive, noting that Russian and Ukrainian delegations had direct contact during the discussions.