THE KREMLIN adopted a measured stance on Wednesday after Donald Trump claimed victory in the U.S. presidential election, casting doubt on whether his campaign promises to end the Ukraine conflict would materialize in policy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia still perceives the U.S. as a hostile state, directly and indirectly entangled in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Trump, reportedly poised for the presidency following a Fox News projection of his win over Democrat Kamala Harris, campaigned on swiftly ending the Ukraine war. However, Peskov stated that only time will show if Trump’s words carry substance. “The U.S. remains an unfriendly nation, heavily involved in efforts against our state,” he told reporters, adding that President Vladimir Putin has no immediate plans to congratulate Trump on his projected victory.
While Peskov acknowledged a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, he tempered expectations given the historically strained U.S.-Russia relations. “The U.S. could contribute to ending this conflict, but a change in policy trajectory will not happen overnight. Whether Trump will alter course once in office remains uncertain,” he commented.
Despite Moscow’s claims of neutrality regarding the U.S. election outcome, Kremlin-backed media has hinted at a preference for Trump. Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, expressed optimism, suggesting that a Trump presidency could “reset” U.S.-Russia relations, recalling previous unsuccessful diplomatic efforts.
The war in Ukraine has drawn Russia and the West into the most severe standoff since the Cold War. Russian forces currently hold around 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014, and substantial areas in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. Trump has vowed to bring the conflict to an end but has yet to clarify his strategy. Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, speculate that Trump’s business-oriented approach might reduce U.S. support for Ukraine. “Trump, as a businessman, dislikes wasteful spending, which may lead him to push back against further resource allocation to Ukraine,” Medvedev posted on Telegram.
While Putin has previously indicated openness to peace talks—contingent on recognition of Russia’s territorial claims, a stance firmly rejected by Ukraine—the Kremlin is cautiously observing Trump’s return to the White House. Moscow remains alert to potential policy shifts, hopeful for a diplomatic opportunity but aware that substantial changes may be slow in coming.
