Evgenia Sokolenko07:36, 09.11.24

The Russian Federation will consider restarting relations between the states only under conditions that are favorable to Moscow and do not offer anything in return to Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the newly elected US President Donald Trump will listen to the interests and preferences of the Kremlin.

According to the  Institute for the Study of War, during his speech at the Valdai Forum on November 7, Putin stated that he is open to discussions regarding the “restoration” of Russian-American relations. At the same time, he is convinced. that negotiations should be initiated by Washington itself.

According to analysts, the Kremlin leader hinted that the Russian Federation would consider restarting relations between the states only under the conditions of lifting sanctions against his country and ending support for Ukraine. It is about terms that are beneficial to Moscow and offer nothing in return to Washington. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmytro Peskov added on November 8 that Putin’s statement does not indicate a change in Russia’s military goals in Ukraine, but quite the opposite.

“Putin may be trying to position himself as one who appeals to Trump. However, he is signaling to his domestic audience that the Kremlin is unwilling to compromise any aspect of its maximalist goals in Ukraine or on the wider world stage,” ISW analysts explain.

Subsequently, the Russian opposition publication “Meduza” wrote that the Kremlin issued an instruction to state and pro-Kremlin media with instructions to cover Putin’s statements in Valdai.

Journalists were supposed to emphasize Russia’s special role in creating a “new world order” and portray Putin as “the greatest world leader.” Moreover, his thinking, “breadth of political opinion” and the role of “the voice of the global majority and the new world order” distinguish him from Western politicians, probably including Trump.

At the same time, the guide does not mention the coverage of Putin’s words regarding Trump and possible negotiations with the United States. The leader of the Kremlin directed his statements to the formation of Trump’s foreign policy and the achievement of another reset of relations between the countries on Russia’s terms.

(C)UNIAN 2024