The Kremlin has downplayed any impact Donald Trump’s election win might have on the strained US-Russia relationship.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that ties couldn’t possibly get worse. He was reacting to US media outlets declaring victory for the Republican candidate.
“It is still almost impossible to worsen relations – they are at the lowest point in history,” Peskov said.
When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin would formally congratulate Trump on his victory, Peskov said he wasn’t aware of any plans for that from the Kremlin, adding, “Let’s not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in the war against our state.”
Peskov reiterated that Russia views the US election as an internal affair and would hold off on any significant comments until the official results were confirmed and Trump formally took office in January.
Over the past few years, relations between Washington and Moscow have hit unprecedented lows, particularly under President Joe Biden’s administration, which has provided substantial military and financial support to Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
The Biden administration has been one of Kiev’s biggest supporters, committing billions in aid. Trump, however, has voiced strong opposition to continued US involvement, pledging he could end the conflict “in one day” if elected.
While some Russian officials seem cautiously optimistic about a potential shift in tone under Trump, Peskov advised restraint. “Yes, this statement is quite important,” he said of Trump’s pledge to address the Ukraine crisis quickly. “But now, after the victory… when entering the Oval Office, sometimes statements take on a different tone. That’s why we say that we carefully analyze everything, observe everything, and draw conclusions based on specific words and concrete steps.”
Trump already claimed victory, while leading US media outlets reported he had crossed the threshold of 270 electoral votes. Many world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, have already congratulated Trump on his triumph.