After the defeat of the Republican Party in the US mid-term elections, Russia has its eyes on politics there. Some Russian experts believe Ukraine may receive more American aid after Democrats take power in parliament in January. Despite this, Russia hopes that President Donald Trump will continue talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the election results would not affect US efforts to reach a settlement between Russia and Ukraine. He said the next talks between Russian, Ukrainian and US officials will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Peskov also praised US First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian work. With their help, a brief ceasefire was reached last week around the Russian-held Ukrainian city of Oleshki. This helped deliver relief materials and evacuate some people safely. Peskov expressed hope that these efforts will continue in the future. He called the changes in the US Parliament an internal matter of America.
Russia has been relieved by Trump’s decisions
Many of Trump’s decisions in the past few months have been seen to favor Russia. America signed an agreement to buy diesel from Russia. This was contrary to the policy under which he had been pressing Russia for many years. Trump also asked Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries. He claimed that because of these attacks, diesel has become more expensive in America. However, the main reason for the increase in energy prices in the world was the Iran war. Trump has also put new sanctions on Russia’s economy on hold for now. He said it was in America’s interest. MPs from both parties criticized the decision.
Meanwhile, Ukraine complained that the speed of StarShield, the military internet service of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, had been throttled. The service is vital for drone strikes and communications between Ukraine’s troops. Trump denied his role in the decision. However, this was seen as an attempt to pressure Ukraine. A deal to buy diesel from Russia also ran into trouble this week. US federal and state officials warned that handling the diesel consignment could lead to legal action. After this two tankers going to America changed their route. Russia said diesel supplies would continue.
Ukraine needs Patriot missiles
Ukraine needs American Patriot missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly demanded that the US supply soon. But the Iran war has reduced America’s stockpile of weapons. That is why he is filling his arsenal first. On October 30, the Trump administration approved the sale of $2.1 billion worth of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraine accused the Pentagon of delaying the supply of missiles.
Trump described Russian President Vladimir Putin as more open to compromise, while calling Zelensky an obstacle to peace. Trump also spoke with Putin’s ambassador Kirill Dmitriev on Thursday. Dmitriev attended Melania Trump’s event to discuss last week’s humanitarian ceasefire. Trump did not meet Ukrainian officials present at the event, but hinted at some major agreements on European security.
A Democrat victory could increase pressure on Russia
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev believes that Trump will refrain from pressuring Ukraine after the formation of the new parliament because he does not want a conflict with the Democrats. At the same time, Zelensky said that the victory of the Democrats in the election has increased the hope that Ukraine will receive more help from the United States. According to Abbas Galyamov, a former Russian official and political analyst, Putin missed an opportunity to reach a compromise after Trump’s victory. Now the situation may become difficult for them.
However, the Atlantic Council’s John Flake says that it will not be easy for Democrats to stop Trump’s foreign policy even after gaining a majority in the House. Russian MP Konstantin Kosachev and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkana also said that the president’s role in foreign policy is the most important. According to Kosachev, Trump may take a tougher stance after the election.
