Kremlin Welcomes Trump's Foreign Policy Shift, Praising His "Common Sense"

On Sunday, the Kremlin acknowledged the notable change in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, suggesting that it aligns significantly with Russia's own perspective. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, praised Trump's "common sense" stance, noting that the new U.S. administration is reorganizing its foreign policy strategies in a way favorable to Russia's vision.

Peskov emphasized that although U.S.-Russia relations have been severely strained by previous circumstances, progress and restoration of ties could be rapid if Presidents Trump and Putin both maintained their political willingness. These remarks, initially made last Wednesday, came to light two days after Trump notably supported Russian positions during a contentious exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

Observing the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Trump's recent comments represented a sharp reversal of earlier U.S. support for Ukraine, asserting openly to Zelenskyy that Ukraine was losing the war and held little leverage. Trump's stance was praised by Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, who described Trump as a pragmatist driven by practical goals rather than ideological conflicts. Lavrov echoed Peskov's compliments, characterizing Trump's approach as rooted in "common sense."

Lavrov further criticized European countries, currently gathered in London for discussions with Zelenskyy, accusing them of perpetuating the war's duration. He contrasted this with Trump's administration, describing it as willing to approach issues pragmatically when mutual interests arise, despite fundamental longstanding disagreements between the two nations on broader geopolitical ambitions.

Lastly, Lavrov compared Trump's presidency favorably to that of Joe Biden, whom Russia had accused of exacerbating conflict by supplying Ukraine with powerful long-range weaponry. The Russian minister expressed optimism about collaboration under Trump's "Make America Great Again" ethos, appreciating its human-centered realism in politics, indicating potential for improved diplomatic cooperation between Moscow and Washington.