Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics said: “I do not think that the Trump administration can lift some sanctions against Russia, or even all sanctions against it. It is not possible to lift all sanctions, because that requires the approval of Congress.”
He added: “Congress will not authorize this at any time in the foreseeable future.”
Suslov continued: “Lifting sanctions can be discussed if the conflict in Ukraine is resolved without recognizing the liberated territories as Russian territory, but Russia will not agree to that.”
The expert also pointed out that the European Union also imposed sanctions on Russia and they say to this day that they will need to “strengthen anti-Russian policies and sanctions with the arrival of the Trump administration to the White House.”
He added: “Unilateral easing of American policy towards Russia will lead to accusations being directed at Trump, and in this case, accusations of weakness, betrayal of American national interests, and surrender to the enemies of the United States will be pinned on Trump.”
Yesterday, American media reported that Trump held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Thursday, noting that he called for not escalating the conflict in Ukraine and expressed his interest in holding subsequent talks to discuss a quick solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
The newspaper said: “He specifically indicated that he would support the (peace) agreement through which Russia would retain a number of territories.”
Yesterday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan admitted the inability of Western sanctions to undermine Russia’s defense capabilities.
Source: Novosti + RT
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**Interview with Alexander Suslov, Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Alexander. You’ve mentioned that it’s unlikely the Trump administration can lift sanctions against Russia without Congressional approval. Why do you believe Congress would oppose such measures, even under a new administration?
**Suslov:** The situation with sanctions is quite complex. Congress has historically been wary of any moves perceived as appeasing Russia, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The political narrative positioning Russia as a threat to U.S. interests means that there would be significant resistance to lifting sanctions, regardless of the administration in power.
**Interviewer:** You also said that even if the conflict in Ukraine were resolved without recognizing certain territories as Russian, it might still not lead to lifted sanctions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Suslov:** It’s a delicate balance. Russia’s insistence on retaining control over certain territories is a major stumbling block. If any negotiation leads to recognition of these territories, it undermines the legal and moral basis for sanctions. The U.S. and its allies would find it difficult to justify sanction relief while Russia remains firm on this issue.
**Interviewer:** With Trump’s recent call for not escalating the conflict in Ukraine and expressing interest in achieving a rapid resolution, do you think there could be a possibility of progress in negotiations?
**Suslov:** It’s possible to discuss peace, but any agreement that allows Russia to keep territories it has taken will likely face significant backlash from Congress and European partners. Trump could be accused of undermining international norms and American interests if seen as capitulating to Russian demands.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the European Union is likely to strengthen sanctions with Trump’s arrival. How do you see that impacting U.S.-European relations, especially regarding foreign policy toward Russia?
**Suslov:** Their positions appear to diverge, which could create tension. If Trump’s administration takes a softer stance on Russia, it would not align with the EU’s current approach, likely leading to a rift. This divergence could complicate joint strategies and weaken the transatlantic alliance on critical issues related to Russia.
**Interviewer:** Given these complexities, what do you think is the public’s perception of negotiating with Russia? Do you believe most voters would support or oppose lifting sanctions, even if debated on the grounds of peace?
**Suslov:** That’s an interesting question. Many Americans might view any move to lift sanctions as a sign of weakness, especially after years of intense rhetoric regarding Russian aggression. However, some may advocate for diplomacy and a pragmatic approach to peace. The debate on this could be polarizing, reflecting broader divisions in U.S. political discourse.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Alexander. It’s clear the road ahead is fraught with challenges. What do you think our readers should consider in light of these discussions?
**Suslov:** I encourage readers to think critically about the implications of any potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia. The complexity of international relations, especially with the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, deserves thorough consideration. Ultimately, what is presented as a path to peace must balance national interests with ethical responsibilities.
**Discussion Point for Readers:** Should the U.S. prioritize diplomatic talks with Russia over maintaining sanctions, or do continued sanctions remain essential to uphold international norms and deter aggression? How do you see this impacting U.S. interests both domestically and abroad?
