MOSCOW. The Kremlin responded with cautious optimism following Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, emphasizing that time would reveal whether Trump’s campaign pledges to end the Ukraine war would translate into tangible action. Trump, who secured the White House in a surprising comeback, previously signaled interest in swiftly resolving the conflict, a position that the Kremlin sees as significant but not immediately actionable.
During his campaign, Trump, 78, promised to work toward a quick resolution to the Ukraine conflict, though specifics on his approach remain unclear. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s statements but tempered expectations: “Let us not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country, which is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state in Ukraine,” he stated, underscoring the strained U.S.-Russia dynamic.
While President Vladimir Putin has yet to extend congratulations to Trump, Peskov noted, “Relations are at a historic low.” Peskov suggested that any substantial shift in U.S. foreign policy would become evident only after Trump’s inauguration in January.
Mixed Views in Moscow on Trump’s Victory
Russian officials offered a range of reactions to Trump’s win, reflecting a mix of hope and skepticism. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed that it harbored “no illusions” about the new U.S. administration, pointing to what it called a bipartisan “anti-Russian stance” within the U.S. ruling elite. The Ministry clarified that Russia’s priorities in Ukraine would remain unchanged, noting, “Our conditions are unchanged and are well known in Washington.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a senior member of the Russian Security Council, hinted that Trump’s economic pragmatism could favor Moscow. “Trump has one useful quality for us: as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on,” Medvedev remarked, referring to Washington’s extensive military support for Ukraine. Analysts suggest Trump’s presidency may shift the dynamics of U.S. aid to Ukraine, potentially altering the resources available to Kyiv.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, echoed a hopeful perspective, suggesting that Trump’s victory presents “new opportunities for resetting relations between Russia and the United States.” Dmitriev, a former Goldman Sachs banker with previous connections to Trump’s team, highlighted the potential for improved diplomatic ties under a Trump-led administration.
Complexities of Peace Negotiations
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Trump’s proposed path to peace faces complex realities on the ground. Putin has signaled a willingness to negotiate but maintains that Russia’s territorial gains must be recognized—a stance firmly rejected by Kyiv. Russian forces currently control about one-fifth of Ukraine, including the annexed Crimea region, much of the Donbas, and significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
As Trump prepares to assume office, Moscow remains watchful, cautiously optimistic about a potential shift in U.S. policy, but grounded in its strategic interests in Ukraine. Peskov summarized the sentiment: “The U.S. is capable of changing the trajectory of its foreign policy… Will this happen, and if so, how… we will see after January.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
