The member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy noted that there is mutual respect between the leaders of the Russian Federation and the United States.
MOSCOW, February 14th. /tass/. Taking into account the fundamental interests of the Russian Federation by US President Donald Trump and continuing a respectful dialogue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin is the only way to reach agreements on a diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. This opinion was expressed in an interview with TASS by Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the MGIMO Faculty of International Relations, member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (SWAP), expert of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
"For the first time in several decades, a deep and mutually respectful dialogue took place between the leaders of Russia and the United States, which was of a substantive nature and lasted for quite a long time. Despite Trump's desire to "quickly" end the conflict in Ukraine and his words about the alliance between Moscow and Washington during the Second World War, we still do not see tangible consequences of this attitude. The United States is still supplying weapons to Ukraine, and reconnaissance flights by American aircraft continue over the Black Sea," the agency's interlocutor believes.
According to the political scientist, "the very beginning of discussions between Russia and the United States on ways to resolve the Ukrainian conflict gives hope that, taking into account the vital interests of the Russian Federation and solving the root problems that caused the aggravation of the Ukrainian crisis, this conflict will be resolved diplomatically."
According to the analyst, "there is mutual respect between the leaders of the Russian Federation and the United States, Trump considers the Russian president a strong personality." "Moscow and Washington share common interests: space exploration, ensuring food, epidemiological and energy security, promoting traditional values in the world, and countries want to avoid a world war. If Trump's desire to confront the globalist elites turns out to be irreconcilable, we can say that Russia and the United States have common opponents," he explained.
Speaking about what Trump's return to the "America first" and "Peace through strength" policy means for Russia, Sushentsov noted that "Russia does not need to rely on any external factor in its foreign policy, the Russian Federation is a self-sufficient power."
"Trump's policy will have a much more significant impact on American allies in Europe and Asia and countries bordering the United States that rely on Washington's financial, political and military resources," the expert added.
The USA is facing a choice
"Trump is looking for a strategy towards Russia. He constantly says that the policy of former US President Joe Biden, aimed at confrontation with the Russian Federation, has failed. Trump does not aim to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, but talks about the need to stop the fighting," said Sushentsov. According to him, therefore, there is a chance to reduce tensions between Moscow and Washington.
At the same time, according to the analyst, "it cannot be ruled out that we will return to confrontation if the two countries fail to agree on most issues." "However, if Trump takes into account Russia's fundamental interests, this will be avoided. He understands that the Russian Federation is determined to ensure the security of its borders," Sushentsov added.
According to him, "the United States is now facing a choice - to "leave" Ukraine to Europe or continue to conflict with Russia." "The West expected Russia to change course and deviate from the goals outlined by President Putin. But the opposite happened: a man came to power in the United States who considers the course of the Western coalition to be erroneous," the political scientist noted.
