Russia's quiet congratulations hint at diplomatic hopes with Trump
Representatives of Russian authorities and elites, including President Vladimir Putin, congratulated Donald Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election. However, they did so through "acquaintances," a senior parliamentarian told the independent service Verstka.
According to Wiorstka, Russian authorities are currently distancing themselves from officially commenting on the election results in the U.S., but they have unofficially congratulated Trump through "acquaintances."
Journalists report that, besides Putin, congratulations were also offered by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, former Economy Minister and current CEO of Sberbank Herman Gref, and the chairpersons of both chambers of parliament, Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin.
According to a Verstka source in the Kremlin, the Russian authorities "have relations" with the new U.S. president, which Moscow "wants to maintain," as it "ties certain hopes" with Trump.
What are the Russians hoping for?
The new President of the United States has repeatedly stated his intention to end the war in Ukraine, even in a single day. During his campaign, he criticised support for Ukraine. In this context, according to Wiorstka, the Russians hope for a reduction in American aid to Kyiv.
At the same time, in the Kremlin, they joke about the idea of ending the war in a day. "How will he achieve that? By threatening Putin? Zelensky? A war can be quickly ended in only one way: by abruptly stopping aid to Ukraine," says a Verstka interviewee.
Another Kremlin source points out that the authorities are observing which conflict will be a priority for Trump: the one in Ukraine or in the Middle East. If the new president focuses on the issues of Israel, Palestine, and Iran, then the burden of the Ukrainian situation will fall on the European Union.
Some in the Kremlin have concerns
Not all Russian government officials view the change positively. Some believe Trump will not be able to end the conflict and will not stop supporting Ukraine, indicating that, in their view, there is a "chance of escalation."
"Everything is more likely to lead to a global mess. This is not the end of the war. This is a global conflict," says a Verstka interviewee.
