November 11, 2024

What Does the Kremlin Think of Donald Trump?


What Does the Kremlin Think of Donald Trump?
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in 2016.  Kremlin.ru, Wikimedia Commons

The outcome of the US presidential election on November 4 was received positively by members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration, sources told independent media outlet Meduza.

One source praised Donald Trump for the fact that he "doesn't insult Russia": "In a sense he is the same as us." The same source called the policies of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris "completely incomprehensible." 

Many anticipate that a goal of former President Trump's second term will be resolution of Russia's War on Ukraine. According to another source, however, this may not be possible for Trump: "The optimism is not very clear. Trump is an impulsive person, he wants to get his way. It is possible that he will somehow influence Ukraine, but the agreement is concessions, including from Russia. And so far it does not look like the president [Putin] is ready for any concessions."

Another source close to the Kremlin added a more pessimistic perspective: "The [Russian] president is building an anti-Western coalition, including those whom Trump considers enemies, China for example. This is no longer the Putin of 2016. Concessions are no longer his thing."

 

You Might Also Like

U.S. Journalist Sentenced
  • July 22, 2024

U.S. Journalist Sentenced

American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been sentenced to 16 years in a penal colony. 
Kremlin Words Versus Deeds, A Gaping Chasm?
  • March 02, 2014

Kremlin Words Versus Deeds, A Gaping Chasm?

Russia's occupation of Crimea, part of the sovereign nation of Ukraine, is wrong. It is wrong under international law, it is in violation of several treaties Russia has with Ukraine and the West, and it is even wrong according to Russia's own foreign policy "principles." So why did it happen?
#Russiagate, Demos & Alaska
  • March 30, 2017

#Russiagate, Demos & Alaska

Continuing scandal, new demonstrations, a sesquicentenial and a linguistic smackdown. Just another week here at TWERF.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955