Russian officials welcomed Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election over Kamala Harris, expressing hope for improved relations with the United States. Trump has maintained a personal relationship with Vladimir Putin, leading to discussions on how he might approach Moscow during his new term. Trump’s first term involved a mix of friendly rhetoric and strict sanctions towards Russia, sparking speculation on how he might reshape U.S.-Russia relations. Experts believe that Trump’s return to office will impact bilateral relations, potentially leading to a process of mending ties that was not possible under Harris.
However, some experts believe that a reset in U.S.-Russia relations is unlikely at this time, citing past failed policies such as the Obama administration’s Russian reset. Concerns have been raised about Ukraine’s fate under Trump’s presidency, as he has pledged to end defense assistance to the country. Trump’s proposal to quickly end the war in Ukraine reportedly involves pressuring Kyiv to cede annexed territories to Russia. While Trump’s views on the war may align with Putin’s, his unpredictability makes it challenging for Moscow to deal with him. It is suggested that Trump may use arms delivery to Ukraine as a political tool to pressure both Putin and Zelensky into negotiations.
Trump’s past grievances with NATO and his questioning of its necessity for modern world order have raised concerns among Western allies. Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany in 2020 highlighted Washington’s decreasing commitment to European defense. The impact of Trump’s leadership on NATO’s cohesion and European defense spending is uncertain, as some analysts predict new ups and downs in transatlantic dialogue during his second term. The EU and Ukraine may find themselves more on their own in strategic alliances if personalized relations with Putin and trade antagonism with Xi resume.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election has raised hopes in Russia for improved bilateral relations and potentially a process of mending ties with the United States. However, concerns remain about the fate of Ukraine under Trump’s presidency, given his pledge to end defense assistance and his proposed plan to end the war in the country. The impact of Trump’s leadership on NATO and European defense spending is uncertain, with some experts predicting challenges in transatlantic dialogue. Overall, Trump’s return to office could lead to shifts in U.S.-Russia relations and Western alliances, with potential consequences for global security and stability.
