Kremlin says Trump's foreign policy less predictable than Biden's
3 Min Read
Unlike Biden’s consistent stance on Ukraine, Trump has pledged to end the conflict quickly, a position Russia sees as potentially favorable but uncertain.
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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP)
The Kremlin has suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy could be less predictable than that of current President Joe Biden, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Speaking in an interview published in part on Telegram, Peskov stated that Trump's past remarks and campaign promises on ending the Ukraine conflict differ markedly from the Biden administration's stance but may be difficult to anticipate.
The comment comes as Russian officials consider the implications of a potential Trump presidency for ongoing US-Russia relations.
Peskov responded to questions about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin's "bet" on Democratic candidates, characterized as a "bet on predictability," had proven successful.
"Everything is quite predictable, the line that [Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris] will pursue until the moment they leave the White House," Peskov remarked.
"Mr. Trump is less predictable in this regard," he added, noting that it remains uncertain if Trump would uphold his campaign statements if elected.
Ukraine conflict to end?
During his campaign, Trump voiced a desire to quickly end the Ukraine conflict, a stark contrast to the Biden administration's approach, which has focused on military aid to Ukraine and strong sanctions on Russia.
In February, Putin characterized his US counterpart Joe Biden as being more "predictable" compared to Trump, but asserted that the Kremlin is ready to collaborate with whoever emerged as the victor in the election.
When asked by a journalist about Russia's preference between the likely contesting candidates, the Democratic incumbent and Republican frontrunner Trump, Putin stated, "Biden, he's more experienced. He's predictable, he's an old-school politician."
In September, Putin remarked that he would be "rooting" for the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris after Biden encouraged his supporters to back her.
Trump, however, had stated he could end the conflict within "24 hours," though Russian officials viewed this as an exaggeration. "I don’t know if I'm insulted or he did me a favor," Trump said when asked to comment on Putin's "endorsement."
On Thursday, Trump told reporters that he and Putin would likely speak soon, with the Russian leader expressing openness to a conversation, even adding, "It wouldn’t be beneath me to call him myself."
Read more: Trump expected to outline Ukraine peace proposal: Polish PM
According to The Wall Street Journal, one of Trump's possible strategies involves asking Ukraine to freeze the conflict along the current front lines and pause its NATO ambitions.
This suggestion, however, has been met with firm opposition from Moscow, which insists that Ukraine's neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification are prerequisites to resolving the crisis.
Russia has nonetheless expressed openness to talks, provided its goals are met. President Putin, speaking at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, mentioned that Trump's interest in peace in Ukraine "deserves attention, at the very least."
Trump recently hinted that he and Putin could speak in the near future, while Putin stated he would not rule out reaching out directly.
