Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, voiced scepticism about Trump’s ability to deliver on his promises. “He can’t stop the war. Not in a day, not in three days, not in three months,” Medvedev stated, calling Trump’s words “banalities.” He warned that if Trump took drastic steps toward ending the war, he could face risks, even likening his fate to that of
US President Kennedy.
Similarly, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed doubt that Trump would alter Washington’s “Russophobic course,” cautioning, “Whoever wins the election, we see no prospect of America changing its Russophobic course.”
Moreover, Trump’s first term as president saw limited progress toward Russian goals, despite his public stance. Russian officials observed that Trump, known for his erratic decisions, did not significantly improve bilateral relations.
Putin vs Nato
Since the Cold War’s end, Putin has repeatedly condemned Nato’s eastward expansion as a threat to Russian security. In 2021, months before the war in Ukraine escalated, Putin even demanded that US forces withdraw to positions held in 1997, prior to Nato’s eastward moves, and criticised Nato’s open-door policy to countries like Ukraine and Georgia.
The US and its allies have rejected these demands. Instead, they responded with economic sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
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Trump’s stance on sanctions has been mixed: he has stated they should be used judiciously to protect the dollar’s global influence, but he has not clarified whether he would consider lifting current sanctions on Russia.
His former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has advocated tightening sanctions on Russia and has proposed a $500 billion “lend-lease” program to arm Ukraine, a strategy that runs counter to Russian interests.
Who will engage first? Trump or Putin?
The Kremlin appears in no rush to finalise peace on unfavourable terms, especially as
Russian forces make gradual gains on the frontlines.
Despite sustaining losses, estimated at over 600,000 soldiers either dead or wounded, Russia continues its military push in Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region, where it has been using artillery to capture territory town by town. Russia’s military strategy highlights Moscow’s patience; they appear willing to hold their position and wait for more favourable terms.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump attend a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. File Image/Reuters
For Trump to gain Putin’s trust and cooperation, his administration would need to demonstrate
a clear policy toward Russia and the Ukraine conflict. Given the wide range of views within Trump’s team — ranging from Vance’s support for a demilitarised zone in Ukraine to other Republicans advocating for increased military aid to Kyiv — the Kremlin is likely to wait and see how Trump’s policy unfolds.
In the meantime, Putin has made it clear that he will not settle for half-measures. Russia’s expectations from the US include halting Nato expansion, lifting sanctions, and effectively allowing Moscow to dictate terms in Ukraine.
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With inputs from agencies
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Publish date : 2024-11-07 21:21:00
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