NewsWorld newsRussia Ukraine warUkraine has hit out at Russia's claims it had reached secret 'understandings' with the US during last year's Alaska summit, saying those hopes have been shattered07:28, 29 Jun 2026Updated 07:54, 29 Jun 2026Ukraine has declared the so-called "spirit of Anchorage" dead as Russia was forced to admit it is struggling with fuel shortages.‌The phrase referred to what Moscow claimed was a new era of cooperation with the US after Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska last year.‌Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hit out at claims Russia had reached secret "understandings" with the US during the August 2025 meeting, saying those hopes have been shattered.‌"The reality makes one thing clear: if the 'Spirit of Anchorage' even existed, it is certainly dead now," Sybiha said.His comments came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no deals had been made in Anchorage, directly contradicting Moscow's version of events. Sybiha said any peace plan made without Ukraine would fail.‌"For Russia, the lesson of Anchorage is that any peace plan developed without Ukraine is doomed to become a spirit and disappear," he said.He added that Russia should stop "believing in spirits" and instead hold serious peace talks, warning its position in the war is only getting worse.It comes as Putin acknowledged for the first time on Sunday that the country was facing a "certain deficit" of fuel and vowed to strengthen protection of oil facilities and boost fuel output.‌Ukraine has meanwhile stepped up its heavy drone assaults on Russian military industries and energy facilities in recent months, with the latest causing a major oil refinery in the south to be engulfed in flames.The country says it aims to cut Moscow's revenue for its invasion - now in its fifth year - and make Russians feel the consequences.‌"Our 'long-range sanctions' reached two oil refineries in Russia," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday."Each (strike) means a reduction in the resources that fuel the Russian war machine, and another step toward peace."The campaign has destroyed much of Russian fuel supplies, sparking widespread shortages and long lines at gas stations across the country - and prompting authorities in many regions to introduce fuel rationing.Article continues belowWestern analysts say the repeated strikes have also slowed Russia's efforts on the battlefield, placing further pressure on Moscow to come to the negotiating table.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsRussia Ukraine war