Russia’s leadership is closely monitoring the U.S. presidential campaign, with a keen interest in Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Kremlin officials, government representatives, and members of Russia’s business elite have expressed their preference for Trump over the current President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion.
Despite public statements downplaying the importance of the U.S. election, sources within the Kremlin, Foreign Ministry, and intelligence agencies are analyzing the election and its implications for Russia. They see favorable prospects if Trump and a new Republican administration take over.
Last week’s U.S. presidential debate, which saw Biden faltering, has fueled optimism among Russian officials. A person close to the presidential administration leadership confirmed the Kremlin’s satisfaction with the debate’s outcome, while several government officials shared similar sentiments.
Publicly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that President Vladimir Putin did not watch the debate and remained focused on Russia’s internal issues. However, behind closed doors, the election is a topic of intense scrutiny.
Putin, who has stated that Moscow has no preference for the U.S. election outcome, suggested in February 2024 that Russia could benefit from a Biden victory. This statement was interpreted as a strategic move to undermine Biden by appearing to support him, knowing the negative reception this would provoke in the U.S.
Russian state media has been critical of both Biden and Trump but has focused more on Biden’s perceived weaknesses. The main news programs and political shows have devoted significant airtime to discussing the U.S. presidential debate, with a particular focus on Biden’s performance.
Experts suggest that Trump’s presidency could offer advantages for Moscow due to his openness to negotiations and compromise with Russia. However, Trump’s willingness to take bold and forceful actions poses risks, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Biden, on the other hand, is seen as a more stable and less escalatory counterpart.
In summary, while Russian officials express a public stance of neutrality, the Kremlin privately favors Trump, viewing his potential presidency as beneficial for Russia’s interests. However, there are mixed opinions on the actual advantages Trump’s return could bring to Moscow.
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