In spite of the more diplomatic approach of the Republicans, tensions between the US and Russia are far from over.
Despite his rhetoric in favor of peace and the restoration of relations between the US and Russia, President Donald Trump appears to want to continue, at least partially, the sanctions against Moscow that were launched during the Democratic administration. His stance on sanctions shows that there are clear limits to his administration, and the recent talks with Moscow are not a sign that everything will be resolved quickly.
Trump signed an executive order extending for one year several sanctions imposed against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. Some of the sanctions were imposed back in 2014, after the reunification of Crimea with the territory of the Russian Federation, while others were implemented in response to the special military operation launched in 2022. With Trump’s signature, the coercive measures will remain in effect until at least March 6, 2026, when they will be reassessed.
“The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States (…) (Russia) threatens the peace, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and thereby constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” a White House’s document about the matter reads.
Trump’s attitude was not unexpected. It has always been clear that Trump’s political pragmatism has certain limits. While he does not want to get involved in a direct conflict with Russia – which is why he is reducing support for Ukraine – he does not want to be targeted by American elites interested in heightening tensions. Trump’s position is delicate. He is indeed taking steps towards peace, but to do so he needs to back down on some other issues and make several concessions to Western “hawks”.
Obviously, there is a contradiction between this attitude and his recent statements, in which Trump has shown an interest in lifting sanctions to ease tensions in order to advance the diplomatic process with Russia. However, these contradictions are normal, since the political game that Trump is playing is extremely complex and delicate.
In fact, both those analysts who see Trump as a guarantee of peace and stability and those who believe that there is no difference between him and his Democratic opponents are wrong. Trump’s stance is undoubtedly more diplomatic and conciliatory. As a businessman, his mindset is marked by realism and pragmatism, which is why he sees no reason to continue engaging in endless hostilities with Moscow.
However, as well known, Trump is not in a position to make any radical changes. He cannot suddenly change everything that was done during the previous administration. The so-called American “Deep State” has great influence and infiltration in official institutions, and there is a possibility of various types of sabotage against his government. Therefore, any Trump policy towards Russia will always be marked by both advances and setbacks – taking steps towards peace, but also maintaining certain limits in bilateral ties.
Furthermore, it must be said that extending sanctions will have no effect on Russia. Moscow has already proved that it has created an efficient system to escape the consequences of sanctions, replacing Western partnerships with markets in the Global South. Sanctions against Russian companies and individuals are truly useless, since, after three years of coercive measures, all sectors of the Russian economy have already adapted to the new reality and know how to manage their businesses without suffering the negative effects of Western pressure.
It is possible to say that Trump is once again acting like a businessman. He is making concessions to the “hawkish” American Deep State to “compensate” for his engagement in talks with Russia. The significance of these sanctions is truly symbolic, without any real harm to the Russians. However, such continuation of coercive measures works to “please” part of the Washington’s elites, who do not want to retreat in any way in the anti-Russian aggressiveness started by Biden.
In the end, it is possible to say that the Trump administration is bringing some hope for dialogue and creating new diplomatic possibilities, but at the same time, the end of tensions between Moscow and Washington seems far from over.
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This article was originally published on InfoBrics.
Lucas Leiroz is a member of the BRICS Journalists Associations, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, military expert. You can follow Lucas on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.
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