Desk: After the defeat of the Republican Party in America's midterm elections, Russia's eyes are on the politics there. Some Russian experts believe that Ukraine may get more American aid after the Democrats take over the Parliament in January. Despite this, Russia hopes that President Donald Trump will continue talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the election results should not affect US efforts to reach a settlement between Russia and Ukraine. He told that the next talks between the officials of Russia, Ukraine and America will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Peskov also praised the humanitarian work of America's first lady Melania Trump. With their help, there was a brief ceasefire last week around the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshki. This helped in delivering relief material there and evacuating some people safely. Peskov expressed hope that these efforts will continue in the future. He described the changes in the US Parliament as an internal matter of America.
In the last few months, many of Trump's decisions were seen in favor of Russia. America signed an agreement to buy diesel from Russia. This was contrary to the policy under which he had been pressurizing Russia for many years. Trump also asked Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries. He claimed that due to these attacks diesel has become expensive in America. However, the major reason for the increase in energy prices in the world was the Iran war. Trump also stopped the new sanctions imposed on Russia's economy for the time being. He said it was in the interest of America. MPs from both parties criticized this decision.
Meanwhile, Ukraine complained that the speed of Starshield, the military internet service of Elon Musk's company SpaceX, has been reduced. This service is important for communication between drone attacks and soldiers of Ukraine. Trump denied his role in this decision. However, this was seen as an attempt to put pressure on Ukraine. The agreement to buy diesel from Russia also ran into trouble this week. US federal and state officials warned that handling the diesel consignment could lead to legal action. After this, two tankers going to America changed their route. Russia said that the supply of diesel will continue.
Ukraine needs American Patriot missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has many times demanded America to supply them soon. But due to the Iran war, America's weapons stock has reduced. That's why he is filling his stockpile of weapons first. On October 30, the Trump administration approved the sale of Patriot missiles worth $2.1 billion to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraine had accused the Pentagon of delaying the supply of missiles.
Trump had described Russian President Vladimir Putin as more ready for compromise, while calling Zelensky an obstacle to peace. On Thursday, Trump also spoke to Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Dmitriev had attended Melania Trump's program in which the humanitarian ceasefire that took place last week was discussed. Trump did not meet the Ukrainian officials present at the event, but hinted at some major agreement regarding Europe's security.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev believes that after the formation of the new parliament, Trump will avoid putting pressure on Ukraine because he does not want a conflict with the Democrats. At the same time, Zelensky said that the victory of the Democrats in the elections has increased the hope of Ukraine getting more help from America. According to former Russian official and political analyst Abbas Galyamov, Putin missed the opportunity to reach a compromise after Trump's victory. Now the situation may become difficult for them.
However, John Flake of the Atlantic Council says that even after getting the majority in Parliament, it will not be easy for the Democrats to stop Trump's foreign policy. Russian MP Konstantin Kosachev and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also said that the role of the President is most important in foreign policy. According to Kosachev, Trump may take a more tough stance after the elections.