Russia hails Trump as ally in quest for global influence

Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government officials are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information warfare conducted by the Russian Federation.

From St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, the clinking of glasses can be heard. Russians are celebrating their perceived victory in the conflict with Ukraine and the European Union's struggles amid the economic crisis. They hope that sanctions will be lifted and that "it will be possible to do regular shopping". Such sentiments prevail on the Russian internet following visits from representatives of the Trump administration to Europe.

For Russians, Trump's direct communication with Putin, bypassing European politicians, is seen as proof that Russia is being treated with the esteem and reverence they believe it deserves—as one of the two greatest powers in the world. "Why waste time on the weak when you can talk to the strong?" is a common sentiment in Russian comments.

Russians believe that the European Union is weak and spoiled, and that without Russian gas and American money, it will eventually collapse. Therefore, the fact that Washington is directly engaging with Moscow, disregarding the opinions of allies, symbolizes to Russians that their country has reclaimed its rightful place. Just like in Yalta and Potsdam, where a marginalized Churchill was presented with a fait accompli, and the great powers divided the world among themselves. This is how it should be now, they argue.

In the Russian infosphere, it is a common belief that Trump will minimize American military aid to Ukraine, leading to Ukraine being deprived of resources for military operations, as European countries without American support lack sufficient resources. This, in turn, would prevent Ukraine from becoming a full-fledged participant in negotiations between Russia and the United States.

Russians have long respected those who display power and military strength. If someone demands something from a Russian with brazen confidence, the Russian usually yields, thinking they are dealing with someone important, with power or connections. They only respect someone strong, which is evident in comments from both everyday Russians and Kremlin experts.

Political scientist Ilia Uhov writes for the Kremlin's Ukraine.ru service that Putin's talks with Trump are "confirmation of a thesis quite obvious to us, but hardly acceptable to the West: that Ukraine is not a subject, but merely a shadow, a projection of globalist plans to contain Russia."

Alexander Dugin, a Kremlin pan-Slavist, stated that globalism has collapsed, and the world of the "Great Powers Order" has returned. "Europe simply got left behind and found itself on the margins. Europe became Ukraine, not Ukraine Europe. This is a total failure," he emphasized.

Russians truly believe that Western Europe is weak. The rhetoric of freezing cities and collapsing industries is repeatedly mentioned. Trump's stance has given them confidence that there is an open road to the West.

Rostislav Ishchenko, a correspondent for Russia Today, suggests that a ceasefire would allow for the mobilization of larger forces, believing that Europe will not be able to deliver the same level of support to Ukraine if America withdraws. This, he argues, would allow Russia to "eliminate Ukraine and reach its western border, without considering any peace agreements. It is generally unclear what is better for us: to take all of Ukraine or leave half."

Russians are willing to hand this half over to the United States so they can recover the money "wasted on supporting the Kyiv regime." Ret. Lt. Col. Gennady Podlesny, a Kremlin military expert and director of the Center for Applied Political Studies in Krasnodar, stated that "to win the 'special military operation' the elimination of Ukraine as a state is necessary. However, as one of the largest countries in Europe territorially, Russia cannot do this without situational allies."

He speaks about the necessity of negotiations on the control of Ukraine between Poland, which could reclaim territories lost in World War II, and the United States, which could manage "resources they need."

The Russians are pleased with the weakening of allied relations within NATO. The media highlight that the recently concluded International Security Conference in Munich "occurred in an atmosphere entirely different from what its regular participants and observers were accustomed to; from a showcase of Euro-Atlantic solidarity, the forum transformed into a symbol of the lack of unity between the new American administration and old Europe."

Commentators stress that Europe "was not ready to accept the truth about itself," which was supposed to be presented by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and Trump's special envoy for ending the Ukrainian-Russian war, Keith Kellogg. The latter stated that the USA does not see a place for Europe at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine. According to him, Russia and Ukraine should resolve the conflict, with the United States ready to mediate.

Their words caused ecstatic reactions from Russian politicians. Dmitry Medvedev stated that "the Anti-Russian Sabbath in Munich was seriously concerned this time" with Washington's position. Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachov noted on the Telegram channel that "the collective West no longer exists." He claims that after the Cold War ended, the West's collective transformed into a "monster" posing a "threat to peace," "actually generating more and more new problems for humanity."

According to Russian propaganda, it was the European Union and NATO that caused the ongoing war.

Kremlin media emphasize that Trump shares the same views as Putin on the cause of the war with Ukraine. Trump stated on the podcast "All In" hosted by financier and Elon Musk’s collaborator, David Sachs, that the one responsible for Russia's attack on Ukraine is Joe Biden, who opened the door to NATO for Ukraine.

He added that in Russia's place, anyone would decide to attack to protect their interests. Thus, Trump, whether consciously or not, echoed the Kremlin's narrative, which describes the attack on Ukraine as "pre-emptive."

According to the Russian Federation's embassy in Poland, "under the supervision and with the participation of NATO advisors, Ukraine has been rapidly transforming into an 'anti-Russian' power since 2014. (...) Russia did not 'attack' Ukraine, as Western propaganda claims, but commenced a special military operation."

It states that "in reality, we are not dealing with Kyiv, but with a NATO-Ukrainian military-industrial conglomerate. Ukraine is merely a tool in the hands of the United States and its NATO allies, whose long-term goal is to 'defeat Russia on the battlefield.'"

Trump's words supporting the Kremlin’s narrative greatly pleased the Russians and strengthened their belief that they are fighting a just war. Moreover, they are hopeful that they will achieve the objectives of the "special military operation" by May 9 or at least by the end of the year.

However, they approach this with caution, as "sabotage in the USA is possible: in the military, intelligence, State Department. Their core still does not submit to Trump." Furthermore, Washington "will play its own games, and it cannot be said that negotiations with the United States will end successfully," as Ishchenko stated.

For now, however, reading the Russian media, it can be concluded that champagne corks are popping in the Kremlin, and more vodka bottles are being opened in the countryside. Trump's team has given the Russians many reasons to celebrate.