Pessimism Among Russians Regarding U.S. Election Outcomes
Russian officials and citizens are broadly pessimistic about the upcoming U.S. presidential election’s potential effects on Russia, feeling disrespected by Democrats and let down by Trump. Despite hopes for a favorable outcome, there is a general consensus that U.S. military support for Ukraine will persist, thus complicating U.S.-Russia relations.
In the current geopolitical climate, Russian sentiments regarding the U.S. presidential election are largely pessimistic irrespective of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerges victorious. Despite some preferences for Trump, ordinary Russians and hard-liners perceive little hope that either candidate can expedite an end to the conflict in Ukraine, as both are likely to continue military support for Kyiv. Russian officials feel slighted by the Democratic Party and believe they have been let down by Trump, who, despite his past admiration for President Putin, enacted policies that the Kremlin interpreted as detrimental to their interests. Dmitri A. Medvedev, a significant political figure in Russia, voiced that the election would not benefit Russia, as the candidates reflect a bipartisan agreement on the need for Russia to be weakened.
The article discusses the current attitudes of Russian officials and citizens toward the impending U.S. presidential election, focusing on their lack of optimism regarding the outcome’s impact on U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Since the last election, where Trump’s victory was celebrated, there is a noticeable shift in sentiment, reflecting disappointment in U.S. policies that have not aligned with Russia’s interests, particularly regarding Ukraine.
In conclusion, the prevailing mood in Russia indicates a sense of disillusionment concerning the outcomes of the U.S. election, highlighting feelings of disrespect from the Democratic leadership and betrayal by Donald Trump. The anticipated continuance of U.S. military support for Ukraine leads many in Russia to believe that neither presidential candidate will bring any meaningful change to their geopolitical situation.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
