Kremlin downplays Trump win's impact on US-Russia relations
3 Min Read
The Kremlin's spokesman asserts that US-Russia relations, already at a "historic low", could hardly worsen, regardless of the election outcome.
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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Kazan Kremlin in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP)
The Kremlin has taken a reserved stance following Donald Trump's reported victory in the US presidential election, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplaying any significant impact on the tense relationship between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Peskov remarked that US-Russia relations, already at a "historic low", could hardly worsen, regardless of the election outcome.
"It is still almost impossible to worsen relations – they are at the lowest point in history," Peskov stated, referring to the strained diplomatic ties with the Biden administration, especially in light of the US' extensive military and financial support for Ukraine.
When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin intended to formally congratulate Trump, Peskov responded that he was unaware of any such plans.
"As for the congratulations, I am not aware of the president's plans to congratulate Trump on the election," Peskov said.
Speculations on Trump's further policy toward Russia are inappropriate, the spokesman added,
As for the possibility of a telephone conversation between Putin and Trump in the near future, Peskov said reporters need to ask the other side.
"Let's not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in the war against our state," he added.
The spokesperson reiterated that the Kremlin views the US election as a domestic affair and will reserve further comments until official results are confirmed and Trump formally takes office in January.
The United States is capable of changing the direction of its foreign policy towards Ukraine, but whether this will be done will be known only in January, Peskov further maintained on Wednesday.
"The United States is capable of changing the trajectory of its foreign policy. But whether it will be done and how, if so, we will see after January," Peskov told reporters.
End to Ukraine war?
Despite Trump's vocal opposition to continued US involvement in Ukraine and his pledge to end the conflict "in one day" if elected, Russian officials, including Peskov, remain cautious.
"Yes, this statement is quite important," Peskov acknowledged, referencing Trump's promise to address the Ukraine crisis swiftly. "But now, after the victory… when entering the Oval Office, sometimes statements take on a different tone."
It is impossible to end the Ukrainian conflict in one day, the spokesman asserted.
He underscored that the Kremlin would wait to see specific actions before drawing conclusions about Trump's stance.
Read more: Zelensky dismisses Trump’s Ukraine peace promises as unrealistic
Since taking office, the Biden administration has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, committing billions in aid to bolster Kiev's forces.
In contrast, Trump's campaign statements suggest a potential shift away from US involvement in Ukraine, raising hopes among some Russian officials that his presidency might ease tensions.
However, Peskov advised restraint, emphasizing the need for a "careful analysis" of the new administration's words and actions before making any assumptions.
Meanwhile, many world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have already extended their congratulations to Trump on his reported win.
