Vladimir Putin chooses the Valdai Club audience to break the silence on the American elections and publicly congratulate Donald Trump on his return to the White House. After the Kremlin had not ruled out contacts between the two leaders before the tycoon’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Putin himself said he had “nothing against” the resumption of relations. The Russian president adds that Trump proved “very courageous” after the attack he suffered where he was injured. But above all it is the thoughts of the American president-elect regarding the conflict in Ukraine that find Moscow’s approval. “What he said about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis, seems to me to deserve at least attention,” Putin expressed the thought.
Evidence of understanding that certainly does not please Volodymr Zelensky. In his speech at the summit of the European Political Community in Budapest, the Ukrainian president reiterated to Western leaders his refusal to make territorial concessions to the other party as “it would be unacceptable for Ukraine and suicide for Europe”. The decision about “what should and what should not be on the agenda to end this war”, according to Zelensky, “is solely up to Kiev”.
If Putin winks at Trump, his thoughts on NATO remain caustic. “It is an anachronistic and destructive organization – he says – the only block left in the world held together by so-called obligations and rigid ideological dogmas”. An alliance that, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, “is trying to extend its approaches to other areas of the world, violating its own charter documents.” Quite the opposite compared to the actions of the Brics, defined as “a good example of cooperation” in which “there is interest” even among the members of NATO itself. As for the future of world geopolitics, Putin is clear: “the current order is finished” and the next 20 years “will be even more difficult”. And to achieve his objectives, the Russian president says he can count on the support of Beijing with which relations “are at their highest point ever and are based on mutual trust”, unlike those with other “especially Western” countries. But with Donald Trump’s return to power in the USA the scenarios could change, also because – as stated by Volodymyr Zelensky – “no one can yet know what his specific actions will be”.
#Ready #talk #Trump #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Elena Ivanova - Foreign Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ivanova. The recent speech by Vladimir Putin at the Valdai International Discussion Club has garnered significant attention, especially with his comments regarding Donald Trump. What do you think are the implications of Putin publicly congratulating Trump on his return to the White House?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me. Putin’s public acknowledgment of Trump is indeed significant. It reflects a desire from Moscow to rebuild relations that have been strained over the last few years. By praising Trump’s courage and expressing support for his approach to the Ukrainian crisis, Putin is signaling that he sees an opportunity for rapprochement. This could change the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
**Editor:** You mentioned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. How do you see Trump’s perspective, as highlighted by Putin, influencing the situation there?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Trump has often leaned towards a more isolationist foreign policy, emphasizing negotiation over conflict. If he pursues this agenda upon taking office, it may lead to a reassessment of U.S. involvement in Ukraine. Putin’s endorsement suggests that Moscow views Trump’s potential policies favorably, which could complicate Ukraine’s position. For Ukrainian President Zelensky, this news is likely disheartening, as it indicates a possible shift in American support at a critical time.
**Editor:** In light of Putin’s speech, how do you anticipate reactions from Western leaders, particularly in Europe?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Western leaders are likely to respond with caution. Many European nations are concerned about the implications of a warmer U.S.-Russia relationship, especially given their reliance on American support in countering Russian aggression. Zelensky’s recent remarks at the summit in Budapest indicate that there is a strong desire among European leaders to maintain a united front against Russia. They will be watching the developments closely and may increase their own diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine and reaffirm their commitments against Russian actions.
**Editor:** do you believe there is a genuine pathway to peace in Ukraine with these developments in U.S. politics and foreign relations?
**Dr. Ivanova:** It’s difficult to say. Peace is always possible, but it requires genuine commitment from all parties involved. If Trump does engage with Russia to seek solutions, it could be a step towards dialogue. However, any peace process must also address the concerns of Ukraine and its allies. Ultimately, the situation remains fluid, and it will depend on how the new political landscape unfolds.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ivanova, for your insights on this pressing issue. It will be interesting to see how these developments influence international relations in the coming months.
