Russia's Cautious Response to Trump's Promises of Peace
Following Donald Trump's recent announcement of his victory in the U.S. presidential election, Russia has expressed a measured response regarding his promise to end military conflicts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will observe Trump's actions closely before forming any conclusions about his presidency. Peskov emphasized that statements made by new presidents often take on different meanings once they assume office, indicating a level of skepticism about Trump's intentions.
During a press briefing, Peskov commented on Trump's assertion that he would not initiate wars but would aim to stop them. He noted that while the U.S. could potentially influence the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, achieving quick results as promised by Trump is unrealistic. Peskov remarked, "We have repeatedly stated that the U.S. is capable of contributing to the resolution of this conflict. This, of course, cannot be done overnight."
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry also conveyed a lack of high expectations for the new U.S. administration. They expressed that the political elite in the U.S., regardless of party affiliation, tends to maintain an anti-Russian stance. However, they also indicated a willingness to work with the new administration while firmly defending Russia's national interests.
Political analysts in Russia have echoed these sentiments, urging caution regarding Trump's promises. Political scientist Yuri Svetov highlighted the importance of observing who will be part of Trump’s team and their potential influence on foreign policy. He noted that while Trump did not initiate wars during his first term, it was Biden who ended the conflict in Afghanistan, underscoring the complexity of foreign affairs.
Another analyst, Evgeny Mikhailov, pointed out that Trump's statements are primarily political slogans that helped him win the election. He stressed that actions will speak louder than words and that the American political system may impede any immediate drastic changes in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine.
In conclusion, while Trump’s intentions may seem promising, both Russian officials and analysts suggest that the reality of U.S. politics will ultimately dictate the outcomes of any proposed changes to foreign policy.
